BUSINESSES across Coventry and Warwickshire could receive up to £3,000 in grants for each apprentice they hire before March 31, but they need to act fast say Coventry College.
The funding is available from the Education and Skills Funding Agency capped at a maximum of ten new hires and Coventry College, is urging businesses to contact them for advice over launching a recruitment drive.
Emma Ingram, the college’s head of employer engagement and sales, said: “The Covid pandemic has forced many businesses to hit the reset button and reflect on what direction their firm is heading in and how they can diversify, and the workforce forms a key part of those plans, so this additional funding is ideal.
“The amount of financial support currently on offer to help businesses transform the future skills of their company is unprecedented – so now really is the time for SMEs and sole traders to capitalise on this if they weren’t already aware of the financial support that’s available.
“The money can be used to support each apprentice in any way each business owner wishes, whether that is for additional training, uniform, or their salary.
“Apprentices have a key role to play in helping companies to expand their services and safeguard their futures, and we would urge any company interested in taking on an apprentice to contact Coventry College to identify suitable candidates and find out more about the application process.”
Under current government rules, businesses are able to receive a state-backed £1,000 payment for every apprentice they employ aged 16 to 18, under 25 with an education, health and care plan or who has been in the care of their local authority.
An additional incentive payment scheme has also been set up whereby businesses who recruit a 16 to 24-year-old apprentice receive £2,000, or £1,500 if they recruit someone aged 25 or over.
Companies wishing to find out more about recruiting an apprentice should email [email protected] or Tel: 07468 724619/07974 245222.
