Larkfleet Group is defying the gloom in the construction industry by recruiting five new apprentices to work alongside the company's existing three apprentices.
The team of new recruits was formally welcomed to the company by managing director Karl Hick - and two football stars from Peterborough United.
Danny Mills and Romone Mcrae were on hand at the welcoming event to stress to the young men just starting on their construction industry careers the importance of dedication, training and teamwork in order to achieve success.
Karl Hick said: "By continuing with our apprentice scheme at a time when the construction industry is struggling because of the economic downturn, we are sending a clear signal that the way forward is to invest in training and development.
"That message was reinforced by our visitors from Peterborough United which, I hope, helped to make it more memorable for the apprentices."
Larkfleet's new intake of apprentices includes a carpenter, a bricklayer, two plumbers and an electrician, all recruited from local communities in and around Peterborough and the nearby town of Bourne where Larkfleet has its headquarters.
"Keeping it local is very much part of the plan," said Karl. "We are proud to be one of the companies doing something really positive within our own community. We need to make sure we have the skilled people necessary to take our business forward and the apprenticeship scheme continues to be a great way to strengthen our workforce and add value to the business."