A new apprenticeship scholarship programme has been launched by Hudson Contract offering two construction firms the chance to benefit from an apprentice who will be completely funded to work for them for 12 months.

The initiative is being launched by the UK construction audit, contract and payroll provider to celebrate its 20th anniversary and to also provide opportunities to two young apprentices hoping to take their first steps on the construction career ladder.

Hudson Contract will sponsor the apprentices by covering their salaries for up to a year. Companies can be in with a chance of gaining one of the apprentices by visiting http://www.hudsoncontract.co.uk/scholarship/ and describing in up to 100 words how an apprentice can benefit their company.

Managing director of Hudson Contract, Ian Anfield, said: “Having worked in the construction industry for 20 years, we’re a business that is passionate about investing in apprenticeships.”

He added: “The building trade is one of the biggest apprenticeship employers, and with a serious skills shortage impacting the sector we really wanted to give something back to construction firms of all shapes and sizes. Hopefully it can also provide the perfect platform for two apprentices to kick-start their careers.”

The new scholarships coincide with Hudson Contract’s ongoing apprentice support. Through its successful Apprenticeship Scheme, the company has now part-funded more than 70 apprentices since 2011.

The winning apprentices will be starting their scholarship in Autumn 2016 and will be producing a video diary of their experiences throughout the year.