TWENTY young people signed their deeds of apprenticeship at a special award ceremony held by Segta Management Services at Redditch Town Hall, writes Matt Smith.

Stuart Parish signed his apprenticeship indentures as part of his modern apprenticeship with father, Keith, who 25 years earlier completed his five-year apprenticeship and is now Quality Manager at Springmasters in Redditch.

Mr Parish had no hesitation in sending his son down the same career path.

He said: "I found my apprenticeship invaluable and I'm sure that it will be the same for Stuart."

Stuart is now based at DT Industries Swiftpack Automation, in Alcester.

Segta, an association of employers offering specialist help with employment and training, has come a long way since it began in 1965 with only 15 member companies. Today it has well over 100.

More than 165 training certificates were presented at the ceremony including awards in business administration, information technology, accounting and NVQ levels two and three, making it the most successful year in the history of Segta Management Services.

Group Chairman of Segta Management Services, Kevin Greenhall, said: "This is very good news for the future of the town and the area.

"Training builds confidence in the community and it's worth noting how many successful companies consistently invest in training."