Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has taken on a new apprentice at his Rosso restaurant in the North-West city.
A scheme set up by The Manchester College aims to take on 50 local young people and get them jobs within five days.
Ferdinand has helped things along by agreeing to give 18-year-old Rhys Owen an apprenticeship at his restaurant as the teen attempts break into the culinary trade.
"Getting young people on the jobs ladder is something I have to do, and it was a no brainer to get involved in this," the Daily Mail quotes Ferdinand as saying.
"Everyone needs help to get somewhere in life. I had help as a kid and I had a bit of luck here and there as well. If you can get someone else working and doing well then it is something that you can sit and be proud of. I am just doing my little bit to help other people."
Ferdinand's current contract at Old Trafford expires at the end of the season.
Danielle Joynson
