FIREWORKS created a celebratory backdrop for a team of apprentices from Culham Science Centre as they were named the country's apprentices of the year.

Following a gruelling five-month challenge, which pitted teams from across the country's leading apprentice employers, nine apprentices from the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) were crowned the winners.

The Brathay Apprentice Challenge saw apprentices test their logistical, team building and communication skills and also required them to deliver a community project that involved volunteering with Helen and Douglas House Hospice in Oxford.

David Godden, team leader and electronic engineering apprentice, said: "We are ecstatic to have won the title of apprentice team of the year.

"The whole team has worked really hard, not only in the last few days but throughout the whole challenge and we've had huge support from our colleagues, our families and friends.

"Hard work, determination and self-confidence are key in success - we also hope that young people can use our journey as an inspiration for themselves."

The finale held at Brathay Trust's headquarters proved a difficult task for the team as they narrowly beat HMRC Digital Newcastle in a physical and mental challenge.

The finalists were selected from 80 teams and 700 apprentices who entered.

Stephen Hall, apprenticeship training manager at UKAEA, said: "Apprenticeships are a vital part of our organisation and to see our apprentices being crowned Apprentice Team of the Year makes us all very proud.

"This is a huge achievement for both our organisation and the individuals involved."

Tom Cox, Elliott Taylor, Emily Swatton, Dave Goddon, Jake Payne, Peter Blowfield, Joe Woodley, Matt Sayer and Sam Cullen were all part of the winning team.

Godfrey Owen, chief executive of Brathay Trust, said: "UKAEA are a great example of how offering an enhanced apprenticeship experience can benefit both apprentices and their organisations.

"All of the apprentices that have taken part this year have gained teambuilding, leadership, logistical and communication skills.

"It has been a pleasure to host the Brathay Apprentice Challenge and watch these apprentices develop into outstanding employees with a national audience.

"With the huge amount of participants this year, the country’s employers are proving they are committed to apprenticeships and their apprentices."

Nick Boles, Minister of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, said it was great achievement for the apprentices.

He said: "UKAEA have shown how getting stuck in and learning on the job gives you the skills to achieve great things.

"Well done to all the participants for taking part in the Brathay Apprentice Challenge, they have been worthy ambassadors.

"I hope their hard work in going out into the community and showcasing the opportunities an apprenticeship offers has inspired more young people to see an apprenticeship as their fast-track to a top career."