A GROUP of apprentices has completed a special project to support the maintenance of the pitch at Middlesbrough Football Club’s Riverside Stadium.

The 12 young people, who are all working towards engineering qualifications at TTE, have modified a specialist lighting rig.

Featuring 600 watt sodium lamps, the unit replicates the effect of natural daylight on areas of the pitch to maintain the health of the grass during the winter months.

However, the ground maintenance team at the Riverside wanted to improve the effectiveness of the system by bringing the lamps closer to the pitch.

A team of four fabrication students shortened the metal frame, while eight electrical trainees re-wired the unit and undertook a process of testing and inspection to ensure it was working efficiently and safely.

The project was part of a week-long work placement, which took place at the Riverside Stadium as part of the trainees engineering study programme.

They spend two years working towards vocational and technical qualifications at TTE’s training centre in South Bank. There is then the potential for a further two years working at sponsoring companies’ premises as apprentices.

Mark Ellis, MFC chief operating officer, said: "As part of Middlesbrough Football Club’s commitment to the local community, we were delighted to be able to support the trainees’ progression with this project. It gave them the chance to apply the skills they’ve gained in a practical setting and work alongside our experienced professional ground maintenance team."

Tony Bell, head groundsman, said: "The trainees have done a marvellous job modifying the rig, which supports our commitment to maintaining the best possible playing surface at the stadium."