A NEW £60,000 scheme has been launched to help businesses with the cost of taking on apprentices.
Wychavon District Council has joined forces with the Worcestershire Training Provider Association to provide grants of either £1,000 or £2,000 to help firms expand their workforce, while providing job opportunities for young people.
Companies in all sectors can apply but applications from engineering, manufacturing, agriculture, horticulture, hospitality, construction, low carbon businesses, IT and cyber technology will be given priority.
Firms have 12 months from the apprenticeship starting to apply and there is no limit on the number of grants each one can claim.
To qualify, businesses must provide an approved apprenticeship, be based in Wychavon district and employ fewer than 250 people.
Low carbon sector applications receive an extra £100 per grant as part of Wychavon’s commitment to supporting a sustainable environment.
Coun Richard Morris, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Tourism, said the grants had the potential to reduce firms’ costs of employing apprentices and assist young people who may be struggling to find work because of Covid-19.
“Taking on apprentices is a great way for businesses to address the skills gap and train their own skilled workforce.”
Visit wychavon.gov.uk/business/apprenticeships for more on the scheme and worcsapprenticeships.org.uk for more on apprenticeships.
