Two construction companies have benefited from a national scholarship scheme which will allow them to take on an apprentice who is entirely funded to work for them for one year. The scheme was launched by leading construction audit, contract and payroll provider, Hudson Contract, to celebrate its 20th anniversary and also provide opportunities for two young apprentices who hope to take their first steps on the construction career ladder. Having received entries from construction companies throughout the UK, Hudson Contract’s judging panel awarded the scholarship to H&L Construction Solutions in West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire and Matthews & Leigh in Chorley, Lancashire. Resulting from the awarded funding, on-site carpentry firm, H&L Construction Solutions, has welcomed Joe Ladbery (21) who will begin his apprenticeship while attending his place at Oaklands College in St Albans. Construction and civil engineering business, Matthews & Leigh, is now able to take on Jordan Goulding (18) who is about to start his Level 2 Apprenticeship in Construction Operation at Preston College. Office Manager at H&L, Emma Hunt, commented: “Joe is one of the first apprentices we have ever taken on. We’re a young company, so fully financing the course, with day release, would have been extremely difficult. 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.” Joint Managing Directors for Matthews & Leigh, Ian and Andrew Leigh, added: “We really value the contribution apprentices make to our company. They are the future of our workforce and it’s vital for them to have the skills and training they need to produce quality work and fully understand the industry’s health and safety requirements. 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.”