09 Jan 2013
Government initiative to encourage apprenticeships extended to 2014
BY Jessica Tasman-Jones
A government-funded scheme that provides cash incentives for employers to take on apprentices has been extended following positive feedback from participants.
The Apprenticeship Grant for Employers of 16-24 year olds (AGE 16-24) pays some or all training costs and a £1,500 grant to employers who sign up.
Open to employers with fewer than 1000 employees, the scheme was initially only on offer during the 2012/13 financial year, but has now been extended to March 2014.
It has also been increased so eligible employers can claim the grant for up to 10 apprentices.
Business Secretary Vince Cable said it is a big decision for small, busy companies to take on an apprenticeship and the £1,500 grant was a token to acknowledge this.
The National Apprenticeship Service who runs the scheme has also announced the minimum level of support employers can expect from the service, outlining a five step process they will use to match businesses with apprentices.
This includes defining employers’ requirements, discussing the right training provider, determining the number of apprentices required, driving recruitment applications and deciding on the right person.
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