LONDON, ENGLAND -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 09/22/2006 -- Two former MG Rover engineering apprentices have been taken on by Cadbury Trebor Bassett after successfully completing their training with the company which was funded by trade union members at the plant.

Last year the future looked bleak for MG Rover apprentices Jamie Bright and Trang Ly when they lost their jobs at the MG Rover plant at Longbridge but Fred Sherwood, Amicus shop steward at the Cadbury plant, came up with the idea to fund two apprentice places for the former MG Rover workers. He wanted to give them an opportunity to finish their apprenticeships and he and 120 Amicus trade union members at the plant clubbed together to pay their salaries.

Two former MG Rover apprentices will be presented with certificates on Monday (25th September) after successfully completing their apprenticeships. The presentation will be made by Birmingham Lord Mayor, Councillor Mike Sharpe.

Now that the apprenticeships are complete both Jamie and Trang have been given permanent roles by Cadbury Trebor Bassett on the new number 5 Plant at the Bourneville site.

Mark Jones, Head of Bournville Manufacturing Cadbury Trebor Bassett said:

"We're delighted we could help them complete their apprenticeship and a big thanks for that should go to our Amicus staff who agreed to sponsor them out of their own wages to help meet the costs.

"It's been great that something so positive has come out of the closure of Rover and we could do something to help our local community. We're sure that they will continue to value their time at Cadbury."

Calling notice:

Date: Monday 25th September

Time: 12.15

Photocall: Presentation of certificates to Jamie Bright and Trang Ly by the Lord Mayor

Where?; Cadbury Trebor Bassett, Bournville Lane, Birmingham B30 2LU

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