New Apprenticeships Grants for Employers - £2,500 per apprentice

This new initiative will support 5,000 young people aged 16 and 17 who would otherwise be unemployed, to secure an Apprenticeship job opportunity.

Last year, despite tough labour market conditions, over 70,000 16 and 17 year olds started an Apprenticeship. But there are still many more young people who want to learn whilst they are in work and we are determined to make sure that the opportunities are there for them to do so.

Your commitment to participate in this initiative is particularly welcomed. As well as supporting a young person at the start of their career,employing apprentices brings a range of direct business benefits. 

The National Apprenticeship Service is providing up to 5,000 Apprenticeship Grants for Employers to take on an unemployed 16 or 17 year old apprentice immediately.The grant with a value of £2,500 is in addition to the cost of training which is met by the National Apprenticeship Service.

Once you have committed to recruit an apprentice using the Apprenticeship Programme employers will receive two prompt payments.

The first payment of £1,500 will be made when the young person starts their Apprenticeship Programme and a further £1,000 if the apprentice remains employed at twelve weeks. Employers will need to pay the apprentice at least the minimum wage for a 16 -17 year old apprentice of £95 per 35 hour week including time for off the job training.** 

If you have never employed an apprentice and would like to find out more on how your business could benefit from an apprenticeship please contact Kay or Melanie at Keits on 01923 854 586 or visit www.keits.co.uk but hurry, this initiative is available until the end of March 2010. **

** full terms and conditions apply, please ask Keits for details.