An incentive payment of up to £2000 is available for employers who hire a new apprentice before 31 March 2021.

The payment is part of the government’s plan to kickstart the nation’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The incentive recognises the value apprentices can bring to the economy by helping businesses to recruit the right people who develop the skills employers need.

There are two levels of payment for businesses employing new apprentices. £2,000 is available for employers who hire apprentices aged 16-24, with £1,500 going to those who take on apprentices age 25 and over. This new incentive is in addition to the existing £1,000 incentive payment for hiring an apprentice aged 16-18.

New College Durham can help businesses benefit from this new scheme. The college works with over 450 employers across the region delivering apprenticeship programmes in a wide range of levels, sectors and job roles. Their apprenticeship team can help businesses apply for the incentive payments.  They can also carry out a detailed Skills Needs Analysis to help maximise training budgets and can assist with recruiting apprentices.

Sharon Bennett, Director of Apprenticeships at New College Durham, said: “Hiring an apprentice is an effective way for any business to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. Apprentices can develop the knowledge and skills required by their specific job role and training can be tailored to the individual needs of your business. New College has an excellent track record in delivering apprenticeships with achievement rates consistently above average. Our apprenticeship team can help you apply for the new incentive payments and guide you through the process of adding an apprentice to your team.”

Businesses can find out more about the new incentive payments at: www.newcollegedurham.ac.uk/employers/apprenticeships-employers/apprenticeship-levy/incentive-payment-for-hiring-a-new-apprentice/

Or for an informal chat about hiring an apprentice, contact New College Durham’s apprenticeship team on apprenticeships@newdur.ac.uk.