THE Germans have long been known for their efficiency, but it seems boom-town Swindon now leads the way. So much so that a group of German engineering apprentices has just arrived in the town pick up some tips.

The six-strong party from Salzgitter, Swindon's German twin town, are on a month-long work placement at a variety of firms across the borough.

The apprentices, all aged between 18 and 22, work at Volkswagen's engine plant in Salzgitter, near Hanover in northern Germany, and are hoping to fine-tune their workplace skills during their stay.

Daryl Jones, Swindon Council's European officer, said: "These young engineering apprentices really match the industrial needs of Swindon because the industry over here is very similar to that in Germany.

"These placements will help them with their business English and future employment credentials."

This is the third time the council has run the trip, which is part of the Leonardo de Vinci project, funded by the European Union and designed to promote work placements among member states.

Since the project started, 40 students from Swindon College have travelled to the continent to experience similar training.

Mechanical engineer, apprentice David Fabian, 21, was one of those who arrived on Saturday.

He said: "I'm looking forward to tasting some of the famous English culture, but already I have noticed how the traffic over here is very different, very strange.

"And I also want to try and learn a bit more about the language and improve my working skills before I go back."

David will work with engineer, Steve Atkins, who restores old locomotives at the Railway Village.

Other firms welcoming the students include cable manufacturing company Ormal Limited, Dorcan-based Tyco Electronics and Wilson Tools of South Marston.

Reg Clark, former secretary of the town twinning association, said: "Improving business links between the two towns is something that has been long and dear to my heart.

"Some 40 businesses in Swindon are involved with our German colleagues in some way or another and this is something we should be trying to foster."