The Astral Centre News Story

Monday 22nd February 2010
GET £2,500 WORTH OF FUNDING WHEN YOU TAKE ON AN APPRENTICE!

Companies in the Lowestoft and Waveney area are being urged by Lowestoft College not to miss their chance to claim a grant of £2500 when they take on a 16 or 17-year-old apprentice.

Apprenticeship Grants for Employers of 16 and 17 year olds (AGE 16 and 17) were introduced by the Government in December. A total of 5000 payouts are available nationally, with 500 being offered in this region to companies that sign up an apprentice before the end of March.

Hopton based Sawyer Motor Company Ltd is one of those to benefit from the scheme. Barry Sawyer, who has been in the motor industry for over 20 years and took on the ownership of the business just over two and a half years ago, said: “I haven’t had an apprentice before and wasn’t really thinking about it at the time. But the business was getting busier and busier when Mark Harris came to me asking if there was any work. He came back the next day with his CV and, as I was impressed with his attitude and reference from his tutor, decided to look into offering him an apprenticeship. It was then that I was told about the grant. It really is the icing on the cake as it will help towards the costs of taking on an apprentice and help to pay for his protective clothing.”

Katy Cassidy, Head of Employer Training Services, said: “Apprenticeships are still a popular way train with over 7,000 16 and 17 year olds signing up for one last year. The grant is a way to make more apprenticeship opportunities available to young people who are keen to earn while they learn. We offer apprenticeships in many different industries and are hoping that companies in the Lowestoft and Waveney area – particularly small to medium sized employers - don’t miss out on their chance to claim this extra funding.”

To find out more about AGE 16 and 17 contact Lowestoft College’s Training Services Liaison Officers on 0800 854695 or apprenticeships@lowestoft.ac.uk

Call us now on 01502 525158 or email: astral@lowestoft.ac.uk