A family-run construction firm is very much building for the future - with four new appointments.

Bringing through the next generation of talent is every business's challenge and the Gloucester-headquartered business is using a variety of tools to meet its needs.

EG Carter, which has worked out it already invests some £250,000 annually training staff, has appointed two management trainees and two apprentices, proving that construction isn't all about starting on the tools.

Jake Matthews, 17, and Max Tyack, 17 have won places as management trainees, a programme that will involve "hands on experience and learning, supported by college-based study".

Jake said: "I am looking forward to starting my career in construction, I can't wait to follow a project through from start to finish. Knowing that I will be mentored by people who have been through the same process that I am going through motivates me to be the best that I can be."

Carlo Thomas, 18, and Robin Hanman, 16 have joined the company as carpentry apprentices and will be working on various sites throughout the South West of the Country as they develop their skills and learn their trade.

Both will be embarking on a three-year college course to achieve full qualification within his chosen field of specialism.

Carlo said: "I'm really looking forward to starting on-site, my goal is to complete my apprenticeship and become a fully qualified carpenter. I'm excited to shadow carpenters and learn from their years of experience."

EG Carter works on projects from a few hundred pounds in value to up to £20 million and has a turnover close to £70 million.

"Apprenticeships are an important way of helping the younger generation with their career aspirations and E G Carter & Co Ltd maintain an ongoing commitment to attend and support numerous career and employment fairs across Gloucestershire," said a statement from the company.

"The events give opportunity for school and university leavers to express interest in the company's various trainee schemes.

"Many of our senior managers - contracts managers, project managers, senior surveyors and site managers began their career journey with us as an apprentice or management trainee.

"Each year we review our requirements regarding training, and for the last twenty years we have averaged two apprentices and one management trainee per year."