Eight trainees on the Modern Apprenticeship scheme for security installers have set a new record at Uxbridge College by becoming the first group to get a 100 per cent exam pass rate.

The trainees from security companies in London and the home counties are part of Welco, the West London Co-operative formed by the college in association with SITO. They all achieved credits in their City & Guilds security systems electrical principles exam.

Under the Welco umbrella, the trainees attend college one day a week.

Steve Eley, head of the college's technical department said: "They are a credit to their companies and the college. We have a history of training to a high standard, but this is the first time a whole group has achieved such a high pass rate." He said more security companies were now embracing the Modern Apprenticeships idea to boost the numbers of trained maintenance staff needed in the London area.

"These young people have every prospect of a fulfilling career in an industry that is becoming more demanding because of the high level of skill needed as security systems become more sophisticated."