http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/pays-hire-apprentice/story-15714288-detail/story.html

It pays to hire an apprentice

BUSINESSES looking to take on apprentices can benefit from up to £4,500 of funding.

The new scheme is open to companies that employ 16 to 24-year-olds as trainees.

Providing they pay the apprentices a wage of at least £2.60 an hour, the firms could qualify for financial support.

It is worth £1,500 for every apprentice they take on, up to a maximum of three trainees per firm.

Andy Greenhough, director of employer engagement at Stoke-on-Trent College, said: “This is a great opportunity for anyone who has been thinking about employing an apprentice, but so far hasn’t taken the plunge.”

The offer is available from this month up until the end of the financial year in March 2013.

But Mr Greenhough added: “I would urge companies to apply early as the Government will cap the amount of money available nationally.”

Stoke-on-Trent College has set up a dedicated team to assist companies in recruiting and training apprentices.

Paul Champion
Strategic Project Manager

Mobile: 07540 704920