Jewson has announced it is to sponsor Skillbuild from 2004.
The company says it has made the decision in recognition of the skills shortage in construction and the low numbers of young people training for careers in the sector.
Skillbuild is the national competition for young people training within the construction industry. Trainees from construction colleges and independent training centres take part in regional competitions in trades including bricklaying, carpentry and joinery.
Regional winners then take part in the national final which took place this year at Darlington College of Technology,
