Manx Gas and has taken-on engineering apprentices for the first time in three years.
Customer and network services director Robert Gardner says the company has often had to look off-Island for people with the required engineering and mechanical skills and experience.
But now the firm is looking to nurture its own pool of skilled staff. He says they are in effect, investing in the future.

The new apprentices are Steven Fowler, 19, from Glen Vine and Richard Willis, 23, who lives in Ramsey.
Both were selected from around 30 applicants who applied to Manx Gas when the vacancies were advertised in the summer. The company has also taken on five apprentices in the Channel Islands.