Two construction firms have secured a fully funded national scholarship scheme for apprentices to take their first career steps in the construction industry.

The initiative was launched by construction payroll provider Hudson Contract to celebrate the company's 20th anniversary.

As a result of the award, on-site carpentry firm, H&L Construction Solutions, has welcomed Joe Ladbery (21) who will start his apprenticeship whilst attending Oaklands College in St Albans. In addition, civil engineering firm Matthews & Leigh (H&L) will take on Jordan Goulding (18) who is about to start his Level 2 Apprenticeship in Construction Operation at Preston College.

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Ian Anfield, Managing Director at Hudson Contract, said: "For a long time we have been concerned about the lack of opportunities for young people trying to enter the construction industry. We hope that by providing these scholarships we shall see both Joe and Jordan realise their full potential and enjoy a long and successful career in the building trade.

"We had a high volume of entries, but H&L and Matthews & Leigh stood out as they demonstrated the important role an apprentice will make to their business moving forward."

Emma Hunt, Office Manager at H&L, said: "We really want to support young people in the area who will play an important part in growing our company, so we were thrilled when we found out we had won the scholarship scheme."

Ian and Andrew Leigh, joint Managing Directors for Matthews & Leigh, added: "To be awarded this scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for us as we recognise that today's apprentices are to become the next generation of supervisors and managers, which is so important to the long-term growth of the industry."

(Image: Joe Lafbery on site with Lee Casey, Director of H&L Construction)

(LM/MH)