Two Gwent apprentices have been shortlisted for a prestigious award in the EEF/Aldermore Future Manufacturing Awards.

The apprentices are both in the running for an Outstanding First Year Apprentice Award, sponsored by JAM Recruitment.

They are Lloyd Cox from Chepstow, aged 21, first year apprentice at Rolls-Royce plc, and Cain Greenaway from Blackwood, aged 21, final year apprentice at Mollertech UK.

They were selected along with 21 other apprentices from Wales after impressing judges with their dedication and determination to pursue a career in manufacturing.

The apprentices will find out if they have won the Welsh title at a ceremony at Chester St Davies in Flintshire on November 6, 2015.

If successful, they will then go on to compete with other regional winners from across the UK for the national title. This will be announced at an awards gala dinner in London in February next year.

Lloyd Cox said: “I am really pleased to be shortlisted for this award – I’ve met lots of great apprentices who are dedicated, hard-working and inspirational, so I’m really honoured to have made it through this far.”

Cain Greenaway said: “The recognition means a lot to me, but more importantly I’m on a career path that I enjoy and where my achievements are being valued. If I can do this then others can too, and I hope it makes other young people think seriously about becoming an apprentice too.”

John Morris, CEO of JAM Recruitment, said: “This is a great achievement by both apprentices. It’s testament to their dedication that they been shortlisted for an apprentice award.

“Apprenticeships are a win-win for young people and industry alike, and this award is about acknowledging the hard work, dedication and the vital role apprentices play in the future of manufacturing and engineering. It’s great to see the efforts of some of Monmouthshire’s best apprentices being recognised and I wish them the best of luck at the regional awards ceremony.”