“By offering a flexible resource that can help your business grow, an apprentice could be the best investment your business ever makes. It is vital that during these tough economic times valuable skills are not lost. We will continue to work closely with the house builders in particular who so far have been the most affected by the downturn.”

With more and more construction firms bidding for public sector work – which is forecast to remain stable over the next few years relative to other sectors – those who employ apprentices could have a major advantage.

Paul Aitkin, branch manager for Newcastle-based Bell Decorating Group, said: “We’re committed to apprenticeships as these are essential to the future of the industry as a whole, as well as being a key element of the future to this business.

“We work hard to make sure that all of our apprentices are happy with their own development.

“Given the current economic climate, we are confident that investment such as this will lead to their retention within Bell Decorating Group upon completion of their college courses.”