by Nottingham Post Apprentice Guide: Employers can take initiative to employ youths
EMPLOYERS in the city and county can take advantage of a new funding initiative to help them recruit their first young apprentices.
The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) is offering up to 40,000 Apprenticeship Grants to small- and medium-size businesses (employing less than 250 employees), to the value of £1,500, that recruit their first apprentice aged 16 to 24.
Last year, despite difficult labour market conditions, more than 275,000 16-to-24-year-olds started an apprenticeship, including 24,200 in the East Midlands.
But the Government is keen that many more young people are given the opportunity to benefit and take their first steps on the career ladder.
Karen Woodward, the service’s divisional area director for the East Midlands, said: “For a strong and growing economy we must have a high level of skills to meet employer demand and apprenticeships are a vital way of achieving this.
“The grant is designed to encourage employers who have identified funding as a barrier to recruiting an apprentice to now get involved, ultimately increasing the number and range of high quality apprenticeship opportunities available for young people.”
Small and medium-size businesses across all sectors that have not employed an apprentice in the last three years may be eligible. The £1,500 grant, known as AGE 16 to 24, is in addition to the training costs of the chosen apprenticeship framework, which are met in full for 16 to 18-year-olds and 50 per cent for those aged 19 to 24.
Employers will be required to commit to employing an apprentice for a minimum of 12 months, or the time it takes for the apprentice to complete their programme.
Mrs Woodward added: “I would encourage all East Midlands small and medium-size businesses considering recruiting an apprentice for the first time to find out more about the grant.
“There has never been a better time for employers to introduce apprenticeships to their business and see first-hand the positive impact they can have on the workforce and profitability, and at the same time provide life changing employment and progression opportunities for young people in our region.”
For more information visit www.apprenticeshipvacancymatchingservice.lsc.gov.uk
Alternatively visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk for more information, or if you are ready to recruit, call 08000 150 600 to speak to an NAS apprenticeship adviser.
Paul ChampionStrategic Project Manager
Mobile: 07540 704920
Sent from my iPad
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