Is Your Business Eligible for the Apprenticeships Incentives Scheme?

Did you know that if you are an employer or small business owner, and you hired an apprentice between 1 April and 30 September 2021, you can apply for a £3,000 government grant?

Businesses already receive £1,000 for hiring an apprentice, however this additional incentive was introduced by the government to help employers and workforces recover from the economic effects of the pandemic.

Make sure you check your eligibility and submit your application before the scheme closes on 30 November 2021.

How do you apply for the apprenticeship incentive scheme?

If you hired an apprentice between 1 April and 30 September 2021, you can apply for a £3,000 new apprentice payment from the government.

The government considers an apprentice as someone aged 16 to 18, or someone aged 19 to 24 who has been in care of their local authority or has an education, health and care plan.

To receive the full £3,000 payment, the apprenticeship will need to last for at least 12 months. You must set up an apprenticeship service account to apply.

When does the scheme end?

Applications close on 30 November 2021. To be eligible for the incentive, your apprentice must have started working for you between 1 April and 30 September, while their apprenticeship must officially start before 30 November 2021.

For example, if someone started working for you in August and then started an apprenticeship in October, you will still be able to apply for the funding.

If your apprentice joined before 1 April 2021, you will not be eligible to receive the extra £3,000.

What can you spend the money on?

There are no rules on how employers spend the money. However, the government suggests that it is used to cover apprentice costs such as travel expenses, equipment, or uniform.

When do you get paid?

It can take the government up to 80 days to verify the details of the apprenticeship, and they may also contact your business for more details.

For each apprentice you hire within the dates of the scheme, you will receive £1,500 after they have completed 90 days of their apprenticeship, and another £1,500 after they have completed a full year.

Payments are made on the 14th working day of the month and you can check when you are due to be paid on your apprenticeship service account.

Plan for Jobs

The £3,000 cash incentive is part of the government’s ‘Plan for Jobs’, which was launched last year to help employers and the workforce recover from the pandemic. It aims to create more jobs and bring the education system closer to employers.

Why should you employ an apprentice?

Alongside the financial advantages, there are many reasons why hiring an apprentice could be a positive step for your business. Apprentices are often highly motivated and looking for long-term employment, this enables you to teach them on the job as they develop both transferable skills and specific skills unique to your business. Giving back to young people and your local community increases your chances of having a loyal and dedicated workforce, and this is key to helping your business thrive.

Visit gov.uk for full details and guidance on incentive payments for hiring a new apprentice.

Find out more about Capel Manor College’s apprenticeship scheme here.