Businesses are being offered financial support to help bolster their workforce by taking on an apprentice.

Inverclyde Council has launched a scheme providing eligible private and third sector employers with funding of up to £10,000 towards hiring a trainee.

The Apprenticeship Wage Subsidy Programme aims to support businesses to hire an Inverclyde resident into a formal apprenticeship, which pays at least the National Minimum Wage for the age of the apprentice.

Last year saw 24 employers financially supported in providing 33 local apprenticeships across a wide range of vocational areas, including engineering, manufacturing, construction, childcare, vehicle mechanics, joinery, electrical, plastering and hairdressing.

Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, said: “Supporting people into employment and supporting Inverclyde businesses is vital in ensuring we have a vibrant and successful local economy and this apprentice subsidy fits in perfectly with our ongoing Inverclyde Works initiative to do just that.

“Times are tough for everyone right now with rising costs so I’m delighted that we are able to provide this scheme so that employers can take full advantage of the financial support on offer and we can link employers with local people who are motivated, job-ready and eager to learn while they earn.

“I hope businesses and third sector organisations that are able to increase their workforce will consider doing so through an apprenticeship and enjoy the benefits of having apprentices joining and progressing in their organisation.”

In addition to financial support, employers can use a free service to find suitable candidates if needed, identify an appropriate apprenticeship qualification and training provider or help with any aspect of the recruitment process. 

These services are provided by the council’s employability contractor Inverclyde Community Development Trust (The Trust) by calling 01475 553333 or emailing mark.ingram@the-trust.org.uk.

An employer is under no obligation to use these additional services in order to access the council’s Apprenticeship Wage Subsidy Programme.

Details of all eligibility requirements of the Apprenticeship Wage Subsidy Programme can be found on the Inverclyde Council website at www.inverclyde.gov.uk/wage-subsidy.