TWO engineering students have earned a prestigious three-year advanced practical apprenticeship with Rolls Royce, beating thousands of other applicants.

Michael Saunders and Jack Powell from the Dean Academy in Lydney were among 15,000 students who underwent a tough selection process for just 36 places with the famous car maker.

Applicants were assessed on competence, resilience and attitude, with only 100 making it through the first stage to spend a day at Rolls Royce in Bristol completing interviews, panel reviews, technical tests, compliance tests, team building skills and awareness tests.

Kirsten Westgate, Jack and Michael’s engineering teacher, said: “I am extremely proud and delighted for these boys as they have continually worked hard in engineering throughout years 10 and 11 and for me they totally deserve all of the success.

“The feedback from Rolls Royce was that Michael had 100 per cent in the technical test and Jack had 100 per cent in the compliance test.

“Both obtained the two highest and best scores in the interviews and panel review assessment.”

Jack said “I have always had an interest in engineering and working to the highest tolerances. I applied for a place with Rolls Royce as I felt that this would allow me to follow my passion.

“The hardest part of the process was the interview and assessments; it was a very long day. I am really proud to have been offered this apprenticeship.”

Michael said “I was really nervous before the interviews, but they made me feel relaxed. When they rang me to say that I had a place with them I was told that I had done really well in the interviews and that I was motivated and dedicated.

“My family are really pleased for me. I can’t wait to start in September.”

Rolls Royce was founded by Monmouth’s Charles Rolls with Henry Royce in 1904, and the prestigious car company’s chief executive is currently former Monmouth School boy Warren East.