New £2500 grant for Rochdale employers

Date published: 08 February 2010

Due to the high number of young people out of work – recently estimated at 1 in 5 – a new grant of £2500 is available to help local employers take on young apprentices. The cost of apprenticeship training is provided free in addition to the grant to benefit employers further.

Rochdale Training is one local organisation that has access to the National Apprenticeship Service grants which are only available to employers of 16 and 17 year olds who begin apprenticeships before 31 March 2010. The company has specialised in apprenticeships for more than 40 years and currently is offering them in administration, customer service, information technology, engineering, plumbing and a wide range of other disciplines.

John Huxley Chief Executive of Rochdale Training commented: “This grant makes it much easier for local employers to take on young apprentices. The grant is the equivalent of six months’ pay for an apprentice plus the training is free for both the employer and the employee.”

John continues: “We know from experience that employers with apprentices benefit from more productive and better qualified staff while the apprentice gets to earn while they learn. Apprentices with Rochdale Training have a 92% pass rate compared to 68% nationally so we know what local businesses want and ensure the apprenticeship is right for the employer and the apprentice. I would encourage all business managers, young people and their parents to find out more about apprenticeships.”