Member Article

Apprenticeship funding for Cumbrian businesses

Businesses in Eden, Cumbria, are to receive extra funding to support the recruitment of apprentices.

Cumbria County Council’s Local Committee for Eden has agreed to boost youth employment prospects by making £10,000 available to small and medium-sized firms creating new apprenticeships.

The grants of up to £2,000 per apprenticeship – made up of £500 from the county council and £1,500 of Government funding - will cover a proportion of the apprentice’s first year wage and in assessing requests for funding the likelihood of the apprenticeship turning into permanent employment will be a key factor.

In March, Eden Local Committee allocated £10,000 to apprenticeships in the district and took the decision today that it should be made available to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Councillor Martin Stephenson, Chairman of Cumbria County Council’s Local Committee for Eden, said: “A key part of supporting and developing local economic growth is helping create good quality jobs, particularly for young people taking their first steps on the career ladder.

“This funding we’re making available should encourage small and medium-sized businesses to consider creating apprentice positions that will open up new employment opportunities across Eden.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .