Help with wage costs for apprenticeships

The National Apprenticeship Service will provide up to 5,000 Apprenticeship Grants for Employers of 16 and 17 year olds (AGE 16 and 17) with a value of £2,500 to encourage employers to take on unemployed 16-17 year olds as apprentices.

Last year, despite tough labour market conditions, over 70,000 16 and 17 year olds started an Apprenticeship. Despite this there are still many more young people who want to learn whilst they are in work and we are determined to make sure that the opportunities are there for them to do so.

We are introducing a new Apprenticeship Grant: AGE 16 and 17, of £2,500 to enable employers to offer 5,000 new Apprenticeship places and take on an unemployed 16 or 17 year old apprentice immediately. The £2,500 grant is in addition to the costs of training which is met by the National Apprenticeship Service.

Full details can be found at www.apprenticeship.org.uk and AGE 16 & 17.

26 Jan 2010