A MALVERN technology firm has been chosen to benefit from council support to train apprentices and boost jobs in the area.

Payara, which is based at the Malvern Hills Science Park, has been chosen by Malvern Hills District Council to receive £1,000 per apprentice to fund their training and development with the company.

Christine Butler of MHDC said: "Payara ticks all the boxes that we look for in a trainer.

"We haven’t worked with them before, but the company has an approach and an energy that allows them to engage effectively with the apprentices and we are very confident that they will be given excellent training and support."

To qualify for funding, the apprentices must live locally, and the business has to be a small enterprise.

MHDC provides £1,000 per apprentice and only allows two per company, with the hope that after the four and a half years of training and study, the apprentices will stay in the area.

Currently enrolled on the digital and technology solutions degree apprenticeship at Aston University, 19-year-old students Cuba Stanley and Alan Roth are completing their first year of the programme at Payara.

The two apprentices previously attended Hereford Sixth Form College and are from Malvern and Hereford originally.

Cuba said: "Although it’s been a steep learning curve, the valuable experience I’ve gained has determined this is the right career for me.

"It’s hard to get experience in this field, but I’ve been fortunate enough to work alongside some of the top people in the industry."

Alan added: “Working full time alongside completing uni work is hard, so be certain it’s what you want to do. If you enjoy it, it’s so rewarding, but you have to be dedicated."

Julia Millidge, HR manager at Payara, said: “We are dedicated to shaping the future of the tech industry and we recognised that there was a skills gap, so we made it our priority to create, train and nurture a number of highly skilled top rate programmers.

"To win the support of the MHDC for two apprentices has validated our training programme and given us two fantastic and talented young men through the apprenticeship scheme."