Funding

The Government has highlighted the importance of Apprenticeships in developing the nation’s skills base and as a result has allocated money to fund training for eligible candidates.

Apprenticeship funding in England

from August 2020 to January 2021

On Wednesday 8th July 2020, the Chancellor – Rishi Sunak announced that there will be funding available in England for employers who take on apprentices between 1st August 2020 and 31st January 2021. 

The funding is linked to the government’s Plan for Jobs which will help to kickstart the nation’s economic recovery. In recognition of the value apprentices can bring to our economy, an incentive payment will be made to employers who hire an apprentice between 1st August 2020 and 31st January 2021. There are conditions to the funding:

• The apprentice must be a new employee to the business
• Have a contract of employment start date between 1st August 2020 and 31st January 2021
• Funding will vary depending on the age of the apprentice

Businesses that offer apprenticeships view them as beneficial to their long-term success. Hiring an apprentice is a productive and effective way for any business to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled, and qualified workforce. As the economy recovers from the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, apprenticeships will be more important than ever in helping businesses to recruit the right people and develop the skills they need to respond to conditions and grow – both now and in the long-term.

Apprenticeship Funding available

The payments will be as follows:

• £2,000 for each new apprentice taken on aged between 16 and 24
• Plus an additional £1,000 for each new apprentice taken on aged  between 16 and 18
• £1500 for each new apprentice taken on aged 25 and over

Employers will claim this directly from the Government.

Full details can be found here: Apprenticeship funding in England From August 2020

ELIGIBILITY

To enroll on a Weir Training Apprenticeship programme if / when employed, you must:

• Be employed status and spend 50% of your working hours in England
• Not be enrolled on another funded course
• Work 30 hours per week minimum
• Have resided in the UK/EEA for the past 3 years, hold an NI number and have the right to work in England
• Prior achievement will need to be taken into consideration re funding eligibility
• 20% Off the Job Training (OJT) must be maintained

Watch this video that explains 20% OJT Further