With up to £3,000 funding for every apprentice hired, if you've been considering taking on new talent for your business, now is the time to do it!

Back in July, the government announced new incentive payments for employers to encourage recruitment of new apprentices. Originally planned to end on 31st January 2021, the incentive payments have now been extended to 31st March 2021.

Any business which hires a new apprentice aged 16 to 24 before the end of March will receive an incentive payment of £2,000, plus a further £1,000 if the apprentice is aged 16 to 18. For new apprentices aged over 25, employers will receive £1,500.

What is an apprenticeship?

Apprentices are full-time employees who work alongside other staff members whilst gaining job-specific skills. Apprenticeships allow anyone aged 16 or above to build the skills and knowledge needed in their chosen career and will also lead to nationally recognised qualifications. Ranging from entry to degree level, there is no limit to what can be achieved through an apprenticeship.

What is required from employers?

• Full-time employment of the apprentice for the duration of their apprenticeship
• National apprenticeship minimum wage must be paid to any apprentice hired
• 20% off the job training - this could be day release, block delivery in college or online training depending on the apprenticeship programme

What are the benefits for employers?

• Receive an incentive payment from the government of up to £3,000 for each new apprentice hired before 31st March
• Gain a loyal and enthusiastic employee who will bring fresh new talent and ideas into your organisation
• Shape the development of apprentices to meet the needs of your business as they grow and train
• Apprenticeships are a great way to build the talent pipeline of your organisation and fill skill gaps

To recruit an apprentice and claim up to £3,000, get in touch with the Business Hub team at Gloucestershire College.

Hiring an apprentice is the same as hiring an employee. Employers have the final say on who they recruit and the team at Gloucestershire College can even help you advertise the vacancy for free.

Gloucestershire College's Business Hub team can offer no-obligation advice and help your business to maximise the funding on offer. They are specialists at helping businesses to fill skill gaps and build their talent pipeline for the future.

Gloucestershire College has talented applicants looking for positions all year round, so if you are looking to recruit, get in touch with the Business Hub team at business.hub@gloscol.ac.uk .

Visit www.gloscol.ac.uk/BackLocalTalent  to view the full range of apprenticeship programmes at Gloucestershire College.