TWO apprentices from Taunton have been told by shoe giant Clarks ‘you’re hired’.

Christopher Stone and Jonathan Nichol, both 23, have completed their apprenticeships at the company’s distribution centre in Street.

Their achievements were recognised at a ceremony during which they were presented with their sealed indenture, framed certificate and an engraved watch.

Christopher and Jonathan both attended Bridgewater College on day release while receiving on-the-job training at the distribution centre, where they will now work on a permanent basis.

The lads were apprenticed to Clarks’ material handling systems supplier, KNAPP, as part of the resident customer support team that keeps the site’s conveyor and storage systems running efficiently.

Clarks – the world’s largest casual and smart shoe company – operates state-of-the-art, automated warehousing systems that help it to distribute some 26 million pairs of shoes every year.

The presentation ceremony was attended by Clarks’ systems and administration manager Paul Clark, who said: “Apprenticeships are an ideal start in life, as all the training is focused on the chosen career. We wish Christopher and Jonathan every success in the future and we applaud KNAPP for investing in Britain’s youth.”