HAMPSHIRE’S next generation of engineers were hailed at a special ceremony.

Apprentices who have completed their first year of training at Southampton Engineering Training Association (SETA) were presented with awards at the ceremony.

Southampton Itchen MP John Denham, who was keynote speaker, handed the awards at SETA’s headquarters in Millbrook.

The former Labour Secretary of State for Innovation and Skills told the apprentices: “This city needs people like you with your skills.

“I know how hard it has been for you to fight your way through the competition to get an apprenticeship here.

“You have beaten a lot of other very good young people to get on these training courses and it is only right that everyone comes together to celebrate everything that you have achieved.

“It is really important to celebrate the skills that you are developing because you are the people on whom we will rely to build this city for the future.”

Mr Denham also called for more employers to take on apprentices – a sentiment echoed by SETA chief executive Richard Heighington in his own speech.

He said: “This year, on average, we had 33 applications for every employment position we had available so if there are any employers still thinking about apprenticeships they need to speak to us.

“There is so much potential in these young people it is such a shame that we cannot take in more of them and get them started on their career.”

At the ceremony, city councillor Carol Cunio presented each first year apprentice with their certificate, before Mr Denham presented the winners’ awards.

Gareth Hughes was named as the 44th winner of the Stainer Prize for the Apprentice of the Year.