Talented students from Dyserth and Rhyl have exceeded expectations, netting highly sought after apprenticeships before the end of their studies.

Coleg Llandrillo Engineering students Corey Brewerton of Rhyl and William Turner of Dyserth have been snapped up by St Asaph’s Phoenix Optical Technologies Ltd for two year apprenticeships in Mechanical Engineering, alongside completing their studies.

Jill Langley, HR/payroll manager for Phoenix Optical Technologies Ltd, said: “We are committed to recruiting, training and developing apprentices to enable them to become the engineers of the future and to continue to take our business forward.”

The students - alongside Penrhyn Bay’s Matthew Hull - were due to receive awards along with 15 others for completing the Level 3 Enhanced Engineering Programme at the college’s Rhos-on- Sea campus when they received the good news.

Representatives of the St Asaph company, which specialises precision optics and toughened glass, visited the college to interview dozens of prospective candidates and, after a lengthy process, the trio were offered placements as they continue to study on a day release basis.

Coleg Llandrillo’s programme area manager for Engineering, Alwyn Jones, said: “This is a fabulous opportunity for the three students to carve out a career in the engineering sector. It is great that a local company is recruiting local youngsters.