Small businesses can now claim £1,500 for each apprentice they employ*

This will enable thousands of businesses in Cornwall to be able to train staff in the practical skills and qualifications their business needs now and in the future.

**NEW** The government has made changes that will enable more businesses to benefit. If you were not eligible in the past the following changes may now make it possible to apply. As an employer you:

• can apply for the Grant if you employ up to 1000 employees
• can recruit and claim the Grant for up to ten apprentices
• will be eligible for AGE 16 to 24 if you have not employed an apprentice in the last 12 months.

Contact Cornwall College Business to discuss apprenticeships and the funding that may be available to you.

0800 731 7594
enquiries@ccb.cornwall.ac.uk
www.ccb.cornwall.ac.uk

Apprenticeship Grants - FAQs

The AGE 16 to 24 year olds is aimed at helping eligible employers to offer young people employment through the Apprenticeship programme, by providing wage grants to assist employers in recruiting their first apprentice. The £1,500 is in addition to the training costs of the Apprenticeship framework which are met in full for young people aged 16 to 18 and 50% for those aged 19 to 24.

When will this new Apprenticeship grant be available?
The AGE 16 to 24 grant is available from 1 February 2012 until March 2013 for eligible employers who recruit an apprentice aged 16-24 for the first time.

What financial support is available to employers?
A new Apprenticeship grant of £1,500 is payable in two instalments, for up to 40,000 eligible employers who commit to employ one or more 16 to 24 year old apprentices for the first time. The payment is exempt from VAT.

Which employers are eligible to receive this new AGE 16 to 24 payment?
Priority will be given to employers with less than 1000 employees. It is expected that most employers will want to access AGE 16 to 24 to support the recruitment of one apprentice. However subject to budget availability and the employer's commitment to support the apprentice to the end of their programme, up to ten grants can be made to any one employer.

What is an employer's commitment?
Employers will sign an agreement which will include:

• Confirmation of the number of apprentices they will be taking on as a result of this incentive

• Confirmation that they wouldn't have taken the apprentice on without this additional incentive

• A commitment to employ the apprentice for a minimum of 12 months or the time it takes to complete the Apprenticeship framework, whichever is the greater

• Agreement to pay the minimum Apprenticeship wage of £2.60 per hour - although this is a minimum and most employers pay more

• Confirmation that they have not taken on an apprentice in the previous 12 months.*

Which young people are eligible?
All 16 to 24 year olds who are looking to start a career through an Apprenticeship, whether they are just leaving school, have been working or are seeking to start a new career. They just need to be living in England and not taking part in full-time education.

Can existing employees starting an Apprenticeship within their existing employer attract the incentive?
No - the aim is to support employers to create new and additional jobs for 16 to 24 year olds. However part-time employees that move in to a new full-time Apprenticeship job role could fall within the remit of the grant.

How will employers receive the AGE 16 to 24?
Training providers like CCB will be responsible for processing payments to employers. Employers will receive two payments - £750 when the young person reaches week 8 of their Apprenticeship programme, with a further £750 paid at month 12 of their Apprenticeship programme.

For more information contact CCB on 0800 731 7594 / enquiries@ccb.cornwall.ac.uk / www.ccb.cornwall.ac.uk

* Full eligibility and agreement details discussed upon application. Information provided by the National Apprenticeship Service