Hudson Contract is awarding scholarships to another thirty apprentices this autumn in a major expansion of its groundbreaking scheme to lead the way in encouraging the next generation of skilled construction workers.

“We have entered into a partnership with Leeds College of Building, one of the UK’s biggest and most renowned centres of educational excellence,” says Hudson Contract Founder and Chairman David Jackson.  “It means that since 2011, we will have provided financial support to help employers take on a grand total of one hundred apprentices.  We are proud of each and every one.”

Hudson Contract now supports apprentices at three Yorkshire colleges – East Riding College, and Scarborough TEC have participated from the outset.  David Jackson adds:  “The addition of Leeds College of Building to the list further cements our commitment to ensuring young people in the region have every opportunity to begin a career in construction. An additional ten youngsters are starting their training in Leeds.  The College of Building has an excellent national reputation, and we are delighted to be working closely with them in the months ahead.”

College Principal Ian Billyard says:   “We attended Hudson Contract’s Apprenticeship event in January and were very impressed by the impact their scholarships have had on regional firms and apprentices.  As you would expect, we are dedicated to ensuring young people have the best possible opportunity to pursue a career in the industry, and the support from Hudson Contract will bolster our ability to deliver.”

The Apprenticeship Scheme offers 12 months’ financial support to employers to help fund the cost of taking on an apprentice.  We pay 50% of each apprentice’s wage for the first year of their training, which works out at roughly £2,600 per scholarship.

To date, ninety different construction companies have benefited.

The announcement comes in the same week that Hudson Contact has been shortlisted for Best Construction Supplier to Work With (Over £25m) in the Construction Enquirer Awards. The entry was based on the Apprenticeship Scheme and is voted for by peers within the industry.

Firms and apprentices interested in the Apprenticeship Sponsorship Scheme can find more details here