AS former trainee toolmaker Tom Richford completes his degree in manufacturing engineering, his employer is hailing its ongoing apprenticeship programmes as a success.

ThyssenKrupp Automotive (TKA) Tallent Chassis Ltd believes apprenticeships, which are funded by the Learning and Skills Council, develop staff in a wide range of disciplines and skills, and allows them to progress with further training, including degree courses.

Tom, 26, from Winston, near Darlington, joined TKA's Newton Aycliffe operation in 1996 as an apprentice toolmaker.

After spending the first year of his four-year apprenticeship at South West Durham Training Ltd, Tom returned to TKA and continued on day release to Darlington College of Technology, where his studies included a two-year BTEC National Certificate and a Higher National Certificate in Manufacturing Engineering.

Tom received the Institute of Incorporated Engineers prize for best project. When his apprenticeship was completed, he started the four-year part-time degree in manufacturing engineering at Northumbria University, and he graduated in July.

Tom said: "Apprenticeships are an excellent way to learn a trade and start earning money, but they are also a good step onto the post-GCSE learning ladder.

"By completing my apprenticeship, I was able to pick up the skills and qualifications which helped me to get my degree and develop my career and I am now a design engineer."

This year ,the company employed ten apprentices.

Managing director Simon Flunder said: "Apprenticeships prove to us year after year that they are the ideal platform on which our employees can build their careers."