Richard has welcomed the news that employers of all sizes in England can now apply for extra funding to help them take on new apprentices in the latest drive to revolutionise the skills and training offer across the country.
The boost to the apprenticeship incentive scheme was confirmed by the Chancellor in the Budget in March and is available to claim from 1 June 2021. Businesses can apply to claim £3000 for each new apprentice hired as a new employee from 1 April until 30 September. The cash incentive is designed to help more employers invest in the skilled workforce they need for the future, as part of the government’s Plan for Jobs.
MP for North East Bedfordshire and member of the Business Select Committee, Richard Fuller said:
Young people have been hit especially hard by the pandemic and the government's Plan For Jobs is focused on helping them get the skills they need to get the jobs they want. This added new cash boost will help even more employers to invest in their future workforce, creating more high-quality apprenticeship opportunities so businesses have the skilled talent pipeline they need to thrive.
Thousands of businesses across the country have already taken advantage of the original incentive scheme, which was first launched in July last year by the Chancellor. Employers can choose how to spend the cash, for example, covering uniform or travel costs for the apprentice. Apprenticeships are playing a central role in the government’s reforms to post-16 education and training, ensuring more people can gain the skills they need to get the jobs they want in a wide range of exciting sectors such as digital marketing, engineering and clean energy.
