Building firm Beard has unveiled impressive results for its 16 trainees. Half of those taking national certificates, diplomas and degrees at the firm based at Cumnor Hill, Oxford, achieved distinctions in the last academic year, while two obtained degrees.

Beard financial director Clive Bassett said: “Young people are the future for the community and it is vital businesses continue to invest in providing opportunities and training.

“We believe in taking the long view — investing in people now to ensure we have the high quality, qualified staff to deliver on customer expectations today and building projects well into the next decade.”