National Apprenticeship Week has come to an end, but help for apprenticeships stricken by coronavirus is still available. Covid-19 has hit apprenticeships hard with the collapse of apprenticeship starts, closure of colleges and many young people unfortunately losing their apprenticeships as companies face financial ruin. Like everyone else, those in the plumbing and heating industry have been hit hard, but there is Government help available for both employers and apprentices.
The CIPHE has pulled together the following information from Government on the support available:
Financial incentives for employers
Employers who hire a new apprentice between 1 August 2020 and 31 March 2021 can claim financial incentives from the government. This is to help businesses and the economy recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. At the time of writing, it has not been made clear if these incentives will be extended, so if you are thinking about taking on an apprentice, it may be wise to do so before 31 March.
For apprentices aged:
- 16 to 24, you’ll receive £2,000
- 25 and over, you’ll receive £1,500
This payment is in addition to the existing £1,000 you’ll already get for taking on an apprentice who is:
- aged 16 to 18 years old
- under 25 and has an education, health and care plan or has been in the care of their local authority
To find out more visit https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/employers/financial-incentives
Redundancy Support Service for Apprentices
The Redundancy Support Service for Apprentices aims to support apprentices who have been made redundant or who feel they are at risk of redundancy.
If you need help you can call 08000 150 400 to speak to a dedicated advisor and start planning your next steps. They can share lots of useful information and help you access local and national services that provide financial, legal, health and wellbeing support, and help you find a new job.
Vacancy sharing service
Both apprentices and employers can register with the vacancy sharing service, which will match employers with apprentices who have been made redundant. Once an apprentice has signed up, they will receive regular updates and be informed which employers have job opportunities available in their area. For employers, there are many benefits in taking on an apprentice who already holds the knowledge, skills and behaviours to add value to their organisation.
Apprentices should visit:
https://apprentice-support.apprenticeships.education.gov.uk/apprentice
Employers should visit:
https://apprentice-support.apprenticeships.education.gov.uk/employer