A FAREHAM manufacturing firm is driving innovation with newly appointed electronic engineering graduates.

Award-winning Barnbrook Systems recruited Joe Stokes and Kevin Jimenez after attending Fareham MP Suella Braverman’s Apprenticeships and Jobs Fair in March.

The firm, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, has launched a new Innovation Forum to harness the energy and fresh thinking of the duo and other young employees.

Managing director Tony Barnett said: “Joe and Kevin are valuable additions to the Barnbrook team.

“They join other high-calibre graduates and apprentices recently recruited to help drive the business forward, particularly in the areas of emerging technology, innovation and product enhancement and development.

“They will also play key roles in our new Innovation Forum to give them opportunities to bring new thinking and ideas to the business.”

Forty-two strong Barnbrook Systems appointed Joe and Kevin as graduate electronic design engineers after meeting Portsmouth University employer engagement advisor Jodie Plumridge at Mrs Braverman’s jobs fair in March.

Joe, 28, said: “Joining Barnbrook is a great opportunity to gain valuable experience and develop my career path.”

Kevin, 21, added: “I’m looking forward to developing projects as part of the Innovation Forum as well as helping to modernise existing products.”

They join Barnbrook Systems hot on the heels of graduate engineer Jack Wei, 25, who has a Masters degree in mechanical engineering (M Eng) from the University of Southampton, and trainees Todd Green and Shane Hutton.

Family-owned Barnbrook Systems has clients worldwide in multiple sectors, including aerospace, defence, rail, maritime and commercial industries.