Ariane Batchelor has become the latest apprentice to join the Northampton-based, high-tech manufacturing company, igus.

Ariane, who achieved a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Enginering at UTC, is passionate about engineering and has joined the igus’ drytech bearings technical support team.

igus managing director Matthew Aldridge said the level of interest from applicants had exceeded all expectations. “We introduced apprenticeships with the intention of providing workplace training opportunities for young people and hoped that the company could also benefit from their energy and enthusiasm,” he said. “My initial concern was that we might be limited by the number of applicants but the talent pool is very wide."