The first intake of apprentices at Teddington’s National Physical Laboratory (NPL) graduated last month and have all been offered positions as assistant research scientists at the centre.

The eight apprentices, whose graduation ceremony took place at the Royal Society on March 12, following an 18-month apprenticeship, were awarded a level three laboratory technician Btec and NVQ qualifications.

The scheme, which launched in 2013, has seen two intakes of apprentices work alongside experienced scientists while earning a wage.

The NPL is expanding its intake to 17 apprentices this year, with the scheme beginning in September.

Visit npl.co.uk/apprenticeship for more information.