The Welsh Government has invested a further £18.7 million to
extend incentives to support businesses in recruiting
apprentices.
The Employer Incentive Scheme, which will now run until 30
September, is a key part of the Welsh Government’s covid
commitment to support businesses and workers in recovering from
the impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Launched in autumn 2020, the incentives have already seen more
than 1,300 new apprentices recruited.
Today’s news means businesses will be able to claim up to £4,000
for each new apprentice they hire under the age of 25. This is an
uplift from the previous £3,000 grant that was on offer.
The £4,000 incentive will be available to businesses that are
employing a young apprentice for at least 30 hours per week.
Welsh businesses could also receive £2,000 for each new under 25
year old apprentice they employ for less than 30 hours a week,
which is an increase of £500.
The improved incentives for employers recognises the particular
economic impact of COVID-19 on people aged under 25.
For workers aged 25 and over, businesses can access £2,000 for
each new apprentice they hire on a 30 hour or more contract, and
a £1,000 incentive for apprentices working less than 30 hours.
Payments are restricted to ten learners per business.
Dedicated funding is also available to recruit disabled people
and for workers who lost a previous apprenticeship position
because of COVID-19.
Welsh Government has already reached its target of creating
100,000 apprenticeships in this Senedd term, and the incentives
are ensuring more crucial employment opportunities for
apprentices.
Economy Minister said:
Apprenticeships make a big contribution to our economy and the
extension and increased offer of our incentives will provide
important opportunities for people of all ages as well as our
business community.
We are already seeing the positive impact the scheme is having
and I want to see that continue.
The Welsh Government has provided crucial support to businesses
and workers throughout the pandemic and today’s announcement
builds on that.
Our Covid commitment is a key part of our Economic Resilience
and Reconstruction Mission and will be vital as we rebuild our
economy so that it is more prosperous but also fairer and
greener than ever before.
Finance Minister added:
Apprenticeships help people gain high-quality vocational
skills, and provide opportunities for businesses and the
economy to thrive.
The additional funding we’re announcing today, which includes
£8.7 million to support the extension of the Employer
Incentives Scheme, will continue to support employers to
recruit apprentices and young people who have been hardest hit
by the pandemic.
Welsh Government’s new ‘We’re in Your Corner’ campaign, which
launched last week, also encourages firms the length and breadth
of Wales to take advantage of recruitment and skills support for
new and existing employees available via the Skills Gateway for
Business.
For more information visit the Business Wales Skills
Gateway.
The Apprenticeship Programme in Wales is funded by the Welsh
Government with support from the European Social Fund.
