TWO talented software engineers are helping to keep the UK safe by taking on apprenticeships at a Malvern business.

Based at Malvern Hills Science Park, IQHQ designs and makes high-tech military hardware and secure communication equipment for the Ministry of Defence to use in war zones.

Reece Husselbee and Callum White are currently undertaking software engineering apprenticeships at the company and helping customers such as the fire service with an equipment upgrade.

Neil Bourhill, managing director, first took on Reece as an apprentice 12 months ago and was thrilled with his work and dedication, and he did not hesitate to take on Callum White as his new trainee.

Established in 2011 with two people, the business is set to expand and will shortly be employing 40 staff, including four more apprentices.

Mr Bourhill said: “We are a rapidly expanding company due to triple in size. We are taking on many new customers, including the fire service who have to upgrade equipment after equipment failure at the Grenfell Tower fire.”

Cllr Beverley Nielsen, portfolio holder for economic development at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “It is great to see more and more companies across the district enjoying the benefits apprenticeships bring to their businesses.

"We’re proud to support apprenticeship programmes which give our future workforce the skills they need to succeed.”

The district council actively promotes apprenticeships and provides financial support to help meet training costs through its Apprenticeship Grant Scheme.

Visit malvernhills.gov.uk/apprenticeships for more information.