Six new apprentices have joined Low Level Waste Repository – the biggest single intake for the organisation at one time.

They will join nationally-accredited apprentice schemes run by training provider Gen2 at Lillyhall, with LLWR providing the daily work environment.

The apprentices will undergo tailored development programmes and each has been assigned an LLWR mentor for support and guidance.

Abbie Wright, apprentice scheme co-ordinator, said: “The organisation invests a lot of time and effort into our apprentices and they receive a lot of support throughout their apprenticeship.

“It’s quite exciting to see our new apprentices coming through, some in disciplines new to our organisation that will help to support business requirements.”

In addition to their daily roles, LLWR encourages its apprentices to get involved in community work and fundraising events, which this year for existing apprentices included delivering community newsletters in Drigg, a beach clean at Seascale and organising a USA Day fundraiser for the company’s Charity of the Year, Give Us A Break.

They are also encouraged to get involved in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) activities, attending conferences, events and exhibitions to inspire the next generation of young learners.

Ex-craft apprentice Jake Iceton moved into a new role in packaging in June. He said: “An opportunity arose in waste management and LLWR showed its support so I was really pleased to take it.

"My apprenticeship gave me a good understanding of the working world.

"It takes the naivety out of you and you realise you are no longer at school.

"It has been a big change for me, no longer being ‘on the tools’, but everyone has been helpful and I’m learning new skills.”