New funding support to help the region’s employers create more apprenticeships has today been launched by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority.
The Combined Authority has provided more than £2.3million in grants to local businesses, supporting the creation of more than 1,100 apprenticeships.
New changes to widen the scope of the Apprenticeship Support for Employers scheme, which take advantage of more fast-growing sectors, have been unveiled at an event at Hartlepool College of Further Education
The new offer for employers looking to take on apprentices includes a sliding scale of support related to the level of the apprenticeship created and priority sectors expanded to include construction and care for the elderly.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “University isn’t the only way to open doors to high-quality, rewarding careers – apprenticeships let our employers benefit from dedicated staff who get the experience they need to get on, and the skills businesses need to thrive.
“Widening the scope of our apprenticeship support will help drive forward even more growth in our key areas. For example, with an ageing population, the need for elderly care is increasing. Construction roles will continue to grow even faster with our aspirations to invest in and develop the regional economy, including through the South Tees Development Corporation, the biggest development opportunity in the UK today.”
Cllr Christopher Akers-Belcher, Combined Authority Cabinet Lead for Education, Employment and Skills, said: “Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for people to earn while they learn and they make a real contribution to the lives of Tees Valley’s residents and our economy.
“We have done a lot to help encourage take-up and by altering our offer, we can take advantage of the emerging opportunities for our local people, helping them to succeed in an even wider range of careers.”
Grant A is offered on a sliding scale and is related to the level of the apprenticeship:
Levels 2 & 3 – £2,000
Levels 4 & 5 – £3,000
Levels 6 & 7 – £4,000
An additional grant of £2,000 would be offered for each progression should an apprentice move between levels three to seven This grant is available for small to medium businesses (249 or fewer employees) from Tees Valley Combined Authority’s identified priority sectors who employ an apprentice aged 19+, working towards a recognised Apprenticeship Standards or Frameworks (up to a maximum of three apprentices per year).
Grant B would be available for employers from any sector and would offer a sliding scale relating to the apprenticeship level, with Levels 2 & 3 awarded £500 and Levels 4 to 7 granted £1,000. If the apprentice is progressing between levels 3 to 7 an additional grant of £1,000 would be offered for each progression. This grant is available for small businesses (49 or fewer employees) who employ an apprentice aged 19+, (up to a maximum of three apprentices per year).
To find out more and to apply, businesses are urged to visit www.teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/apprenticeship-support
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