Staff at City of Wolverhampton College are urging businesses in the West Midlands to take advantage of a new government cash incentive to help fund hiring apprentices
From August 1, 2020, employers with a wage bill of less than £3 million per year will receive £2,000 for taking on new apprentices aged 16-24 and £1,500 for apprentices aged 25 or over. This is in addition to the existing £1,000 payment the government provides for new 16-18 year old apprentices and those aged under 25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
The additional funding – available until January 31, 2021 – will enable businesses to recruit apprentices who will combine working for the company with studying for industry-recognised qualifications at college.
Joanne Baugh, head of employer engagement at the college, said: “Taking on an apprentice is an opportunity for employers to train staff to meet the demands of their business and, with the new government funding available, this is an ideal opportunity to support the skills of their workforce and the post-Covid recovery.
“Apprenticeship training offered by City of Wolverhampton College is developed in conjunction with local employers so anyone taking on an apprentice can be assured they will develop the skills and knowledge needed to meet the demands of the business.
The college offers apprenticeships in 15 industry sectors – including business services, construction, early years, engineering, hairdressing, hospitality, leadership and management, motor vehicle, polymer processing and teaching assistant – and can assist employers with advertising vacancies, screening applicants and shortlisting candidates for interview.
Employers interested in finding out more about apprenticeships and the new funding available can email accountmanagers@wolvcoll.ac.uk or call 01902 837163.
