Cashpot to boost apprentices

Mansfield District Council has teamed up with Ashfield District Council to launch a £60,000 grant pot during National Apprenticeship Week (3rd to 7th March 2014) to help local employers recruit new apprentices.

The Ashfield and Mansfield Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (AGE) will be available from 1st April 2014 and will offer businesses taking on a new apprentice up to £1,500 on top of the current National Apprenticeship Service’s (NAS) £1,500 AGE.

The grant will support employers who would not otherwise be in a position to recruit an apprentice, which will help boost the local economy and reduce youth unemployment.

To be eligible for the grant, businesses need to qualify for the NAS AGE, be located within the Ashfield or Mansfield District and employ less than 250 staff.

Coun Kate Allsop, Mansfield District Council’s portfolio holder for economic regeneration, said: “Helping businesses grow and creating a climate for job creation is a key priority for Mansfield District Council.

“The grants on offer are an excellent incentive for businesses to take on an apprentice, which will help boost productivity and performance and provide more opportunities for young people to enter the world of work.”

Coun Chris Baron, leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “Getting people back to work - particularly youngsters - is very crucial to the local economy. Ashfield District Council recognises that we must give future generations opportunities to be properly trained and qualified for the world of work.

Call 01623 463 165 or email [email protected] for more information.