In response to thechallenges faced by businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic there has been significant investment in skills from central and local Government to support your recovery plans. Apprenticeships, Traineeships, investment in the National Careers Service, and a new kickstart scheme are thecrucial elements of a new ‘Plan for Jobs’ announced by the Chancellor, the Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP.
Apprenticeships
Offer an apprenticeship and claim up to £2000 (£3000 if 16-18 year olds).
An apprenticeship is a genuine job opportunity with an accompanying assessment and skills development programme. Apprenticeships benefit employers and individuals, and by boosting the skills of the workforce they help to improve economic productivity. Hiring an apprentice is a productive way for any business to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce.
The Government has announced details of a new incentive payment available to all employers who hire an apprentice. The incentive is available between 1st August 2020 and 31st January 2021. There will be two levels of payment based on age. For apprentices aged 16-24 the payment will be £2000 and for apprentices aged 25 or over the payment will be £1500. There will be no limit on the number of incentives an employer can claim for. The employer will still receive the additional £1000 incentive for 16-18 year olds (or 16-24 with EHC) as before. In addition to Government incentives, employers can still access local district grants alongside, visit the website here.
Download the employer guide to apprenticeships.
Are you a levy paying business?
Did you know you could transfer up to 25% of your funds down your supply chain or to the wider Worcestershire business community to support SME’s and young people in accessing high quality apprenticeships? The Worcestershire LEP wants to maximise the benefits of the Apprenticeship Levy across the County. If you are a levy paying employer, talk to us about how we can help you.
Traineeships
Offer a traineeship in your business for 16-24 year olds and claim up to £1000.
A traineeship is a skills development programme that includes a work placement. It can last from 6 weeks up to 1 year (although most will last for less than 6 months). Traineeships help 16 to 24 year olds get ready for an apprenticeship or job if they don’t have the appropriate skills or experience. Employer incentives: New or expanding employers can claim incentive payments of £1,000 for up to 10 learners to help with employer costs (such as administration, equipment, set up costs for example).
Kickstart
Employ a 16- 24 YEAR OLD in your business for 6 months and claim up to £6500.
The Kickstart scheme is for those aged 16-24, claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. It is worth £2 billion and will give hundreds of thousands of young people, in every region, the best possible chance of getting on and getting a job. There is no cap on the number of places per employer. Funding available for each six-month job placement will cover 100% of the National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week and employers will be able to top this wage up.