“Callum is proving himself to be an intelligent, diligent individual who is keen to learn new skills. Already a great member of the Icon team we look forward to his progression and development during the apprenticeship.”

The firm’s operations director, Phil Walker noted: “We are delighted to have recruited Callum. Apprenticeships offer young people the chance to earn while they learn; they not only provide an education but allow school leavers to develop the necessary workplace skills.

“Bridging the gap between education and business is a fantastic way to equip young people with the skills and knowledge needed by today’s industries.”

Callum McKechnie – 17, who lives in Yarm – has joined the precision plastic injection moulding firm as a business administration apprentice after leaving high school.

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Icon Plastics’ managing director, Gareth Thomas explained: “It is integral to develop our apprenticeship training scheme further to help ensure the future of skilled workers.

“I am very proud to be part of Icon’s apprenticeship training scheme and my ambition is to build a successful career at the firm.”

His role at Icon will comprise of a number of administrative duties, including purchase orders and shop floor paperwork, data inputting and daily stock take.

The apprenticeship aims to offer McKechnie valuable hands-on experience in the workplace, as well as continuing his education with fortnightly one-to-one tutorial workshops supported by Stockton Council Learning and Skills service.

McKechnie commented: “I chose an apprenticeship because you get to both further your education and get hands-on practical experience. It was important for me to develop the skills necessary for the working world.