TWO young apprentices are geared up for a career in the car industry after excelling during a work placement in Beamish, near Stanley.

Jordan McConnell and Gary Moore, both 15, are studying for a young apprenticeship in motor vehicle service and repair at Gateshead College.

As part of the course, they completed a work placement at Aston Workshop, which is based at Beamish.

The pair attend Thomas Hepburn School, in Gateshead and are about to enter their final year in September.

They were among the first pupils on a Young Apprenticeship with Gateshead College to take part in a work placement.

Geoff Smith, paint and bodywork manager at Aston Workshop, said: "We have been extremely impressed with Jordan and Gary. They are the youngest apprentices we've ever had at the workshop, but their attitude and professionalism shone through.

"You have to have the right attitude to work here, as we are dealing with specialist cars, and Jordan and Gary fit the bill."

Aston Workshop is the only centre in the UK dedicated to the repair and restoration of Aston Martins. During the placement, pupils concentrate on bodywork and preparation and paintwork.

Jordan and Gary spend seven hours a week at Gateshead College's Automotive Centre of Excellence at Team Valley. Their course is part of a number of study options available on the college's 14-16 programme and is the equivalent of four GCSEs.

On their last day at Aston Workshop, the apprentices were presented with a model of an Aston Martin as a thank-you for all their hard work.

Richard Moody, their lecturer at college, said: "We are especially thrilled with the glowing report from Aston Workshop. Jordan and Gary are hard workers and have obviously shone in their work experience placement."