The Honourable Company of Gloucestershire Charitable Trust has just announced an award to support Gloucestershire apprentices.

This award, which will be given annually, will benefit up to five apprentices from selected further education colleges in Gloucester, Stroud and Hartpury and will be presented to the winning candidates in June each year, starting in 2023.

Michael Jones, the Honourable Company's business interest group chair and trustee, said: "Gloucestershire has a great history of engineering excellence and there is little doubt that apprentices play an important role in determining Gloucestershire's future prosperity, by supplying the county with the necessary skills in fields such as construction, agriculture and engineering.

"However, in the current climate, some apprentices find it difficult to remain in their studies. This award is designed to support those apprentices with a bursary or a gift of equipment, enabling them to build on their skills for their future development."

Andrew Tabor, the warden of the Honourable Company, said: "The award is part of the charitable giving programme of the Honourable Company, which promotes the best interests of the county by supporting industry, commerce, sport, education, science, the arts, armed forces, youth and voluntary organisations.

"This award has been made possible by a generous gift from the late Anne Cadbury, which has subsequently been added to by members of the company."

Anne lived in Tewkesbury and was a foundation member of the Honourable Company.

The Honourable Company is working closely with Gloucestershire College, South Gloucestershire and Stroud (SGS) College, Hartpury University and Hartpury College to deliver the programme.

Details of how to apply and the size of the award will be announced shortly by each of the colleges taking part.

The current lead college is Gloucestershire College, where the first presentation will take place.

Julie Tegg, director of employer training and apprenticeships at Gloucestershire College, said: "We are delighted to be part of such an exciting new award, where apprentices in construction, engineering and agriculture can apply for support in the early part of their studies and careers."