A TEENAGER has become a company’s youngest-ever worker after impressing bosses with his passion for engineering.

James Entwistle, 16, will begin work at Blackburn-based Optima Control Solutions (OCS) in September.

The teenager, a student at Hollins Technology College, Accrington, wrote a speculative letter to the company earlier this year, prompting a meeting with joint managing director Michael Hill.

He then wowed Mr Hill with his interest in, and knowledge of, engineering, resulting in a firm offer to join the business after he has finished his GCSEs this summer.

Mr Hill said: “I was impressed with his letter, so I called him, asked him to come and meet us and within 10 minutes of our introduction I was in no doubt that he had had the right grounding to become our first apprentice.

“Apprenticeships really are the best environment for prospective new engineers to gain the right skill sets and experience.”

James, of Daisy Hill Court, Huncoat, said the letter to OCS was one of 12 speculative letters he submitted, but only the Blackburn firm replied.

He said: “I have always been interested in engineering and how things work.

“It started with Lego and Meccano before I moved onto computers.

“I was on holiday with my parents when Mr Hill advised me I had the job. It was great news and I can’t wait to start.”

Mr Hill had worked with Training 2000 in a search for an apprentice, but James’ letter reveals that making an old-fashioned approach to an employer can still work.

James will join two graduates and an experienced engineer who have recently joined OCS.

The company, of Blakewater Road, specialises in industrial controls and employs 20 people.