The new recruits will complete their apprenticeships over the next four years, alternating between on-site training and studies at college, while being supported by a dedicated mentor.

The intake, which includes three joinery, two painting and decorating and one plastering apprentice, will commence their studies in August at Edinburgh College, Glasgow Clyde College, West College Scotland and South Lanarkshire College.

Four of the apprentices have now joined the Clark Contracts Academy, with the remaining two due to join later in the month.

The successful applicants were selected from over 300 applications received since launching the recruitment process with a virtual careers event in March.

As part of Clark Contracts rigorous selection process, a number of the applicants were invited to attend assessment sessions at the contractor’s head office in Paisley. Following this, the highest scoring applicants were invited for a first stage interview with Clark Contracts recruitment team, with a selection then asked to attend a final interview.

Gordon Cunningham, managing director, said: “We are delighted to be expanding our Academy again, and to have received this level of interest in our apprenticeship scheme. We look forward to seeing our new trade apprentices progress through their apprenticeships over the next four years, where they will be learning their trade at college and on site.”

Over 20 per cent of employees are currently studying towards formal qualifications through the Clark Contracts Academy, with the company making an annual investment of £750,000 in training.