Extension of apprenticeship employer incentives welcomed

Walsall College welcomes the news that employers can continue accessing  incentive payments  to recruit new apprentices until January 2022.

The extension to the scheme which was due to end in September means that employers can continue to claim a £3,000 grant for every new apprentice of an age that they recruit.

This payment is in addition to the £1,000 employers already receive for hiring new apprentices aged 16-18 and those under 25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan, meaning employers can receive up to £4,000.

“The government grant extension is excellent news, particularly for employers recovering from the pandemic who needed more time to implement ways to build back with confidence.

“By supporting people into work and hiring new talent, businesses have a way to bridge skills gaps in line with industry needs and local economic priorities,” said a college spokesperson.

“We look forward to continuing to support more businesses during their journeys of recovery and growth.”

The College is committed to supporting businesses across all sectors as they look to fully capitalise on bonuses from the government and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

These include business and finance, digital marketing, construction including specialist areas such as scaffolding and roofing, dental nursing, pharmacy, engineering and more.

An apprenticeship can be a smart, cost-effective way of taking on a new recruit to work in your business, or to help an existing member of staff to progress in their career. If businesses are considering taking on an apprentice, they will need to set up an account on The Apprenticeship Service beforehand.

Employers interested in taking advantage of this new funding can contact the business training solutions team by emailing businesstrainingsolutions@walsallcollege.ac.uk