Council subsidy encourages Eden businesses to take on apprentices with £30,000 funding

Funding of £30,000  is available to encourage businesses in Eden to take on apprentices. The money from Eden District Council will be used to subsidise the wages of at least 15 new apprentices through a new scheme being delivered in partnership with Cumbria County Council.

Eden District Council’s Business Ambassador, Councillor Debra Wicks, said: “We have many fantastic businesses in Eden who are keen to develop the potential of local young people. Taking on an apprentice can be a huge step, especially for a small business, so the wage subsidy we are offering can be the extra incentive required to encourage Eden businesses to create training opportunities so young people can realise their potential.”

The £30,000 will be used to create opportunities for apprenticeships across Eden. Cumbria County Council has agreed to administer the scheme on behalf of the District Council, as they already operate apprenticeship schemes across the county, so have the necessary expertise to deliver the scheme successfully.

Councillor Liz Mallinson, Cumbria County Council’s cabinet member for organisational development, said: “Apprenticeships are a great way to improve employment prospects for young people and give them a helping hand onto the first rung of the career ladder.

“I’m sure both young people and businesses in Eden are going to benefit from this scheme.” 

The outline details of the modern apprenticeship scheme are:

Each new Apprenticeship will attract a grant of up to £2,000 towards wage costs.
The funding is limited, so the priority will be on those businesses that can offer a good chance for the Apprentice to become a permanent employee.
The business must be located within Eden District.
The Apprentices will be aged from 16-24.
Apprentices will be paid at least the National Apprenticeship rate of £2.60 per hour, and will need to work a minimum of 30 hours per week.
Businesses employing fewer than 250 employees are eligible for this funding, although smaller businesses may take priority.
The Apprenticeship training will be provided by the provider deemed most appropriate by Cumbria County Council and will not cost the employer.
This grant can, in certain circumstances, be matched against the Government’s Apprenticeship Grant for Employers.

For more information about the Apprenticeship Scheme visit www.eden.gov.uk/edenapprenticeshipscheme or www.cumbria.gov.uk or contact Caroline Powney, Economic Development Officer at Cumbria County Council telephone: 01228 226752 email: caroline.powney@cumbria.gov.uk

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