Ms Twentyman is the youngest apprentice to have ever been appointed by the firm, at 16 years old. She takes up the role of apprentice admin assistant at the firm’s Carlisle office.

H&H Insurance Brokers operates across the North of England, the Scottish Borders and Wales.

Mr McGaffin, 25, has joined as an apprentice claims handler, also based at Carlisle. They will both receive on-the-job training and study towards professional qualifications as part of their apprenticeships.

Paul Graham, managing director, said the firm was committed to investing in young people as part of its growth plans for the future. He said: “It’s never been more important to invest in the future and provide opportunities for young people to pursue a rewarding career path. Apprenticeships within the financial services industry are an excellent route into the sector, providing development and training which lead to professional qualifications. We are delighted to welcome Victoria and Tom to the team.”

Ms Twentyman left Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Penrith after sitting her GCSEs this year and is now studying business administration at Carlisle College as part of her apprenticeship.

Joining H&H Insurance Brokers, which specialises in rural and agricultural insurance, was a natural step for Ms Twentyman, who regularly helps out on her father, Keith, on his farm at Ireby, and her uncle Thomas Burne, who farms at Great Strickland, near Penrith and she has her own flock of Texel sheep at her uncle’s farm.

Victoria Twentyman said: “I knew I wanted to follow a vocational career path rather than stay in full-time education, and it was important to me that it was related to agriculture and farming, so this job is perfect for me.”

Tom McGaffin, who lives at Brampton, near Carlisle, has joined H&H Insurance Brokers after spending seven years working in retail. A music and drama graduate, he decided to pursue a career that would make the most of his people skills. As an apprentice claims handler, Mr McGaffin works directly with clients who need to make a claim on their insurance. He is studying towards a professional insurance qualification through the Chartered Insurance Institute.

He said: “I enjoyed the interaction with customers in retail, and my new role involves the same skills of building a rapport with people and ensuring they get the best possible service.”

Outside of work, Tom is a singer-songwriter who plays several instruments including the piano, guitar and drums.