Cash boost will help firms find fresh talent

Employers can now get financial support to employ a modern or graduate apprentice for a limited time.

Up to £5000 is available to employers to hire someone new or develop an existing employee through Skills Development Scotland’s apprenticeship employer grant.

Inverness College UHI can help connect employers with apprentices and provide advice and support.

Funding is available for employers who start apprentices before March 25 but this is limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Inverness College UHI business solutions manager Joanne MacKinnon said: “Apprenticeships are an excellent way for businesses to build a skilled workforce and this grant is great news for employers who perhaps haven’t been able to recruit an apprentice or provide skills training this year because of the pandemic.

“The business solutions team stands ready to support employers to recruit an apprentice, claim the grant and put in place training plans.”

Modern apprenticeships and graduate apprenticeships combine workplace experience and working towards recognised qualifications.

The Skills Development Scotland’s Apprenticeship Employer Grant is part of a £15 million investment by the Scottish Government to help more employers take on apprentices, especially those whose ability to take on young workers has been impacted by the effects of the pandemic.

For more information, visit www.apprenticeships.scot/for-employers/

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