Recruiting an apprentice adds real value to a business and is a fantastic way to get new fresh ideas and support into the workforce. There are grants and funding available to businesses to help with the costs of recruiting and training apprentices, and SMB College Group is here to support our employers. From Government Incentive grants to accessing completely free training, below you will find more information on financial support for your business.
For more information or guidance on recruiting an apprentice, contact the apprenticeship team today on
01530 519 001, or complete the form below.
Recruitment
Taking on and training staff can be costly. Suggestions say that the average cost to recruit is about £5000 in the UK: taking into account job board fees, time to screen CVs and interview, recruitment agency costs, and more - it can soon add up. But, when you recruit with SMB College Group, we offer a free recruitment service, including advertising across numerous boards, and screening and pre-interviewing all applicants.
Training
When it comes to training those apprentices, government funding is available to support you and may cover up to 100% of the costs of the training. If you are employing an apprentice under the age of 25, you may also be eligible for other advantages, such as a reduction in your employer National Insurance contributions.
If you have a wage bill of over £3million each year, you are most likely a Levy-paying business. For information on the Levy, see our Apprenticeship Levy page here. If your wage bill doesn’t hit the £3m mark, you pay just 5% of the training costs for your apprentice. The government will fund the other 95%.
*Please note: You contribute 10% towards the cost of training your apprentice if your apprentice started before 1 April 2019. This rate continues until your apprentice completes their training.*Support For Small Businesses With Less Than 50 Employees
Support for Small Businesses
To support the growth of small businesses and ensure small businesses can access the benefits of taking on apprentices, the government offers a small employer incentive. This means that the Government will fund 100% of the training if:
- You employ less than 50 people
- And your apprentice is 16-18
- Or your apprentice is 19 – 24 and have previously been in care or has an EHCP
Support for Construction Trades
Construction Trades (not Gas or Electrical) may also be eligible for CITB grants, visit their website to find out more - CITB Apprentice Grants
Government Incentive Payments
For hiring an apprentice aged 16-18 or those aged 19-24 with an EHCP employers recieve a £1000 incentive.
Apprenticeships can benefit your business by:
- developing a workforce with skills specific to your business
- allowing existing employees to pass on their knowledge with your next generation of employees
- providing you with a motivated and fast-developing workforce
How Do The Grants Work?
- Grants will be processed through the Apprenticeship Service.
- There is no limit on the number of incentive payments that can be claimed for new apprentices, as long as they are eligible.
- Successful Grant Payments will then be made in two instalments; 50% when the apprentice has been in learning for 90 days and the final 50% at 365 days.
Create Your Account
Your Apprenticeship Service account will enable you to access new apprenticeship standards, reserve funding and select training providers through an online account. You can create yours through the link below.
Get In Touch
For more information or guidance on recruiting an apprentice, contact the apprenticeship team today on
01530 519 001, or complete the contact form below.