The successful applicants will get the chance to learn a range of trades and skills while also starting their careers with Mears. Mears has been employing apprentices in North Lanarkshire since 2011, and in that time has taken on more than 170 apprentices in the area.

The announcement of the new intake comes during Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2022 –hosted by Skills Development Scotland - when organisations across the country come together to share the value that apprenticeships bring not only to the individuals themselves but to employers and the wider Scottish economy.

Barry Duncan, managing director at Mears, said: “Supporting the local workforce is something we are passionate about at Mears, and our apprenticeship programme gives us a unique opportunity to nurture and grow the talent of young people in the local area, and we are extremely pleased to be taking on 20 new starts for this year.

“Apprenticeship programmes provide a vital opportunity for young people to join the workforce while learning skills which will ensure they can go on to have fulfilling and lasting careers. Our 2022 intake will be able to undertake modern or trade apprentices, ensuring that they can develop the career which suits them and, with a number of our most senior people across the business having started as apprentices, we know that there is great potential for them to grow and develop the careers they want.”

North Lanarkshire Council is committed to supporting the local economy by creating new jobs for residents and working with companies including Mears to deliver apprenticeships in the area is a key part of this.

Heather Brannan-McVey, convener of housing and regeneration with North Lanarkshire Council, added: “Our partnership with Mears provides a great platform for young people to gain important work experience and get a well-structured apprenticeship that provides them with the practical experience they will need to allow them to develop their careers.

“I wish all our young people starting out on their apprenticeships the very best for their future careers.”