Bridlington business Hudson Contract is beefing up its support for construction industry apprenticeships with more places and more sponsorship through its Hudson Foundation.
The enhanced package includes increasing the number of sponsorships from 30 to 40 each year, raising sponsorship from £2,600 to 3,000 per apprentice, and introducing a £500 completion bonus split between apprentices and employers.
Launched last year, the foundation unites Hudson Contract’s efforts to create opportunities for young people to acquire skills, develop self-confidence and get a good start in life. Additionally, the foundation supports families in need and provides a voice for self-employment in construction.
Latest government figures show national construction apprenticeship starts fell by 1.2 per cent year on year while drop-out rates have reached 47 per cent, illustrating the skills challenge facing the sector.
The scheme has already helped 278 young people enter an industry where highly skilled tradespeople can earn more than £1,000 per week.
David Jackson, founder and chairman of Hudson Contract, said investing in skills is vital at a time when businesses face rising costs: “That’s why we provide a straightforward scheme of financial support, and supply companies with advice on how to navigate the bureaucracy of national apprenticeship schemes. Coastal communities face unique challenges so we are trying to bridge that gap with our scheme.”
Bridlington businessman Tom Hart, who started his career as an apprentice bricklayer and now runs Springvale Homes, has seen the benefits of the scheme first-hand. He said: “It takes away the financial burden and gives local businesses the chance to bring on an apprentice,” he said. “Sam Emmerson joined us through the scheme at 16. He’s now 22, fully qualified and a real asset to the company, working alongside his dad who has been with us for ten years.”
