Mark Browne and Mark Rowe, both from Dalkeith-based diary printer Charles Letts & Co, were ‘highly commended’ by the Sector Skills Council.

The competition was open to apprentices from the building products, coatings, extractives, furniture, glass, paper and printing industries. The winners were announced at The Belfry in the West Midlands last Tuesday.

Proskills chief executive Terry Watts said: “Being recognised as ‘highly commended’ in the Apprentice of the Year awards, across all the industries represented by Proskills, is a huge achievement by both Marks and proof that the print sector has some truly outstanding employees.”

Proskills print industry champion Richard Bloxham said: “The industry has an average age of 48, so encouraging young talent is important. These courses give a unique opportunity for hands-on practical skills.

“We aim to show off the best standards the industry can offer and raise the bar for the rest of the sector.”