This is Bath --Apprentices from Bath have been recognised for their achievements at a reception hosted by the Deputy Prime Minister.
Daniel Hopper, 23, and James Gale, 21, from city manufacturer Rotork attended the reception at Admiralty House, Whitehall, alongside other apprentices from across the UK.
The duo were invited after the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg was impressed when he visited the Brassmill Lane company last year.
Mr Clegg said apprentices made an invaluable contribution to their employers, and to the economy as a whole.
He said: "I was delighted to welcome Daniel and James to Admiralty House, after being hugely impressed when I visited Rotork late last year.
"It's clear they are making a valuable contribution and their hard work now will no doubt set them up for a bright future."
James, who is from Westbury, is a technical apprentice and joined Rotork in 2010.
He said: "I decided to look for an apprenticeship because I had decided that university was not the way forward for me but I wanted to do something that was of a similar level to a degree."
To celebrate apprentices The Bath Chronicle Apprenticeship Awards 2013 have been launched, supported by headline sponsors HIT Training.
There are 12 awards up for grabs to businesses and young workers.
Categories include Employer of the Year, Apprenticeship Development Award, Bath Apprenticeship Training Provider of the Year, five Outstanding Apprentice of the Year awards covering different sectors, and Bath Apprentice of the Year.
The winners will be announced at an awards evening at Bath Racecourse on July 4.
To enter the awards go to www.thisisbath.co.uk/ apprenticeshipawards.
The deadline is May 11. Reported by This is 2 days ago.