APPRENTICES from a Darwen based fabrication company have won gold at theWorldSkills UK competition in Construction Metalwork for the third year running.

Two of WEC Group’s Darwen-based Training Academy apprentices won gold and silver medals at the Skills Show in Birmingham on November 19.

Michael Grimshaw, a second year welding and fabrication apprentice took home the gold and third year apprentice was awarded the silver medal.

WEC apprentice Reece Embley was also highly commended after making it through to the top ten apprentices.

The three WEC Group Training Academy apprentices competed against over 100 entrants from across the UK in order to secure their places in the final 10.

Steve Hartley, WEC Group’s Managing Director, said: “For our local family owned business to produce national gold medal winners three years running is a major and fantastic result.

“It is a testament to the high level of training our apprentices receive, being recognised as some of the best and most skilled apprentices across the whole of the country.”

Kris Mercer, WEC Group Training and Development Manager said: “I am extremely proud of what all the apprentices have accomplished.

"This is a huge achievement and is a tribute to the investment by WEC Group in our apprenticeships and training frameworks, as well as the effort put in by the lads themselves.”