If you've been thinking of hiring an apprentice, now is the time to act.

Until the end of September, employers are eligible for incentive payments of up to £4,000 from the government.

The government is offering an incentive payment of £3,000 for every new apprentice of any age hired before 30th September 2021. This is in addition to the existing £1,000 incentive for taking on an apprentice aged 16 to 18, meaning businesses will receive up to £4,000 per apprentice recruited.

The incentive scheme was first announced by the government in July 2020 to end on 31st January 2021, but has been extended twice since then.

Julie Tegg, director of employer training at Gloucestershire College said: "It's particularly good news for those employers looking to take advantage of the redevelopment of our Cheltenham campus for IT, cyber and engineering, which will be ready for new apprentices joining us in September of this year."

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 path 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.

Employers taking on apprentices must offer:

• Full-time employment of the apprentice for the duration of their apprenticeship

• National apprenticeship minimum wage

• 20 per cent off-the-job training - this could be day release, block delivery in college or online training, depending on the apprenticeship programme

In addition to the incentive payment from the government, employers taking on an apprentice will:

• Gain a loyal and enthusiastic employee who will bring fresh new talent and ideas into their organisation

• Shape the development of apprentices to meet the needs of a business as they grow and train

• Be able to fill skill gaps with home grown talent

To claim the incentives, employers need to set up an online Apprenticeship Service account and request the payments. The money will be paid directly into their business bank account.

Gloucestershire College can support organisations looking to take on an apprentice. The college will help businesses advertise a vacancy for free and the Business Hub team will offer support.

The college has talented applicants looking for apprenticeship positions, so if you are looking to recruit an apprentice, get in touch with the Business Hub team at business.hub@gloscol.ac.uk.