Apprentices who lost their jobs when a Norfolk engineering firm went into administration have been taken on by another local company.

Specialised Management Services (SMS)-Alderley, in Gorleston, went under in July leading to hundreds of job losses.

Apprentices, some more than three years through four-year courses, were told by the college coordinating their training that they had just 12 weeks to find new jobs or they would lose their apprenticeships.

READ MORE: The apprentices left high and dry after Norfolk firm goes into administration

Three apprentices have now been picked up by Great Yarmouth-based specialist water treatment company Aquazone.

SMS-Alderley went into administration on July 24SMS-Alderley entered administration on July 24 (Image: Adam Barker)

“It was horrible to see young lads losing their apprenticeships, especially when they were all midway through,” said Chad Ellis, a director at Aquazone.

“As a business that believes in investing in youth, we saw it as a great opportunity.

“They are all in work and loving it. We also picked up their apprenticeships so they didn’t lose their progress.

“They are all great lads who are keen to learn and further themselves. It is everything you would want in a young person.”

READ MORE: Lowestoft firm owed £250k as SMS-Alderley crashes into administration

Aquazone at Great Yarmouth Business ParkAquazone at Great Yarmouth Business Park (Image: Google Maps)

The apprenticeships are delivered through East Coast College, which has campuses in Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft.

SMS-Alderley went into administration on July 24, and the college told the apprentices that they had just 12 weeks to find employment.

This is a deadline set by the government, which provides funding for apprentices made redundant over that period to allow them to continue their off-the-job training.

The government's 2023/24 apprenticeship funding rules state it will fund to completion any apprentice who has either completed at least 75pc of their practical period or who is within six months of their final day of training.

READ MORE: Rig workers left stranded offshore after Norfolk firm crashed into administration

Aquazone has also employed a mechanical fitter who previously worked for SMS-Alderley and hopes to take on another of its apprentices in the coming weeks.