A pair of apprentices sponsored by Hudson Contract have won praise for their progress as they pursue careers in construction with backing from the Bridlington-based business. 

Edward Boyes and Murphy Jenkinson won individual categories in East Riding College’s annual apprenticeship awards, held at the Beverley campus earlier this month. 

Edward is earning while learning carpentry and joinery skills with C Boyes Joiners & Builders, based in Scarborough, North Yorkshire. Murphy is earning while learning electrical skills with Headland Electrical and Plumbing, based in Bridlington. 

Both are supported by Hudson’s pioneering sponsorship initiative, which pays pays £50 per week towards the wages of an apprentice during the first year of their employment. The initiative aims to create meaningful training opportunities for young people from Bridlington, Scarborough and the surrounding areas. 

Hudson works closely with East Riding College to promote its unique programme among local apprentices and employers. To date, the family-owned company has sponsored 260 apprentices since 2011. 

Luke Portlock, employer account manager at the college, said: “It was a great occasion to get all of our apprentices and their families, employers, staff and stakeholders in the same room. We were able to celebrate the apprentices’ achievements and learn about their impact in the workplace. Not only have they developed their practical skills, but they have also grown in confidence as individuals and it was fantastic to hear their stories.”

Other employers working with the college to provide apprenticeships include local beauty spas, law firms, food manufacturers, car repair centres, nurseries and schools. 

Fiona Gamwell, communications officer and apprentice ambassador at Hudson Contract, said: “Congratulations to Edward and Murphy for being such worthy winners! It has been a pleasure to sponsor two young men and see them develop promising careers with local employers.

“We had a wonderful evening at the awards ceremony and encourage more employers to take on apprentices and young people to consider apprenticeships as a way to realise their potential.”

Meanwhile, Fiona has won recognition for her efforts promoting apprenticeships and helping companies to navigate national training programmes. She was named 'Most Engaged Ambassador 2023/24' in the Yorkshire and Humber Apprenticeship Ambassador Network in 2024. The government-backed Apprenticeship Ambassador Network is a group of employers whose main aim is to spearhead the drive to engage new employers to commit to apprenticeship delivery in England.