Employers urged to join the apprentice revolution

Former apprentice Amy Ward is now employed by Rochdale Council's skills team

Businesses across Rochdale borough are being urged not to miss out on a new initiative to encourage employers to recruit young apprentices.

The Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is spearheading the ‘Join the Apprentice Revolution’ campaign to increase the number of unemployed 16 to 24 year olds starting work.

Organisations employing people in this group can qualify for an incentive payment of £750 and funding is also available for trial periods before an apprentice starts.

Cheryl Eastwood, Executive Director for Children’s Services at Rochdale Borough Council said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for employers to realise the benefits that having an apprentice brings both to their businesses and to the local economy.

“The added bonus of financial support for trial periods, if needed, before an apprentice starts work mean it’s low-risk to employers. These funding incentives won’t be available for ever so I’d urge borough businesses to get in quick!”

Employers taking advantage of this LEP scheme may be able to combine it with other apprenticeship incentive grants that are available locally and nationally.