Council secures funding for 50 new apprentices
Published Wednesday 1st August 12 in Council - news and information releases news
Calling all businesses in Southend – can you give a young person the chance of a fulfilling career by taking them on as an apprentice?
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council has just secured funding to subsidise the salaries for 50 more apprenticeships.
Funding for the apprenticeships, which are open to 16 to 18-year-olds and 19 to 24-year-olds, was obtained by the Council’s ONTrack Team.
The Council will fund £1,500 of the first year salary cost for the apprentices, which will be paid in two instalments.
Half of the funding will be provided at the start of the apprenticeship and the rest after the apprentice has been employed for six months.
The apprentices must be employed on a full-time basis and training for all apprentices under the age of 19 will be funded by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS).
To be eligible for the salary subsidy the length of the apprenticeship programme must be a minimum of one year, but can be as long three years depending on the framework.
All apprentices must be new employees and not currently employed, and consideration will be given to businesses outside of Southend.
Executive Councillor for Children and Learning, James Courtenay, said: “I am delighted the ONTrack team has managed to secure funding for 50 more apprenticeships.
“Apprenticeships are a great opportunity for young people to earn while they learn and gain experience in a workplace setting whilst studying for nationally recognised qualifications.
“I would urge local businesses to take advantage of the funding the Council has secured and give a young person the chance to take the first steps on the ladder to a rewarding career.”
For further information about the scheme please contact the Council’s 14-to-19 Consultant, David Coleman, on 01702-534387 or via e-mail at davidcoleman@southend.gov.uk