Thousands of pounds in funding awaits businesses that hire an apprentice.
The Apprenticeship Grant for Employers of 16-24 year olds (AGE 16-24) has been extended for another year until 31st December 2014. This grant offers up to £1,500 per apprentice to employers with up to 1000 employees who are taking on their very first 16 to 24 year old apprentice or those who have not been in a position within the last 12 months to commit to employing an additional apprentice.
The Buckinghamshire 2013 Apprenticeship Grant offers £1,500 per apprentice to Buckinghamshire employers with up to 1000 employees when recruiting a new 16 to 18 year old apprentice who is a Buckinghamshire resident. Up to five grants can be claimed and the grants can be claimed in combination with the AGE 16-24 apprenticeship grant, meaning you can receive up to £3,000 per apprentice, with an additional £1,000 available if the apprentice is in a priority group, such as young parents or young people with learning difficulties.
The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) has committed up to £500,000 of funds to recruit more apprentices into the industry. If an SME takes on an apprentice through the ECITB, the ECITB will provide £1,500 per apprentice to that SME, provided they have not taken on an apprentice in the previous 3 years.
Available later this year, is a £2 million apprenticeship bursary scheme for the early years profession. Those aspiring to a career in early education will be able to apply for a bursary worth up to £1,500, with a further £300 available for more training, from September 2013.
To find out everything you need to know about taking on an apprentice, contact us on 01494 568944.
Buckinghamshire Business First provides dedicated apprenticeship and skills advice and support. In the autumn, we will be launching an online facility which will provide information on training, skills and recruitment. Look out for it!
