Companies will get a ‘golden hello’ to take on apprentices

Companies have until 31 March to access new funds to support the employment of apprentices.
The National Apprenticeship Service has recently announced that businesses which sign-up to the scheme may be eligible to claim up to £2500 towards the cost of hiring an apprentice.
Plymouth College of Art’s Creative Business Services Development Manager, Hannah Revell, said the funds would support more SME’s wanting to employ apprentices.
Hannah Revell says: “The new funding is fantastic news for SMEs and, in particular, we want to hear from companies interested in supporting a creative apprenticeship.
“This news really underlines how apprenticeships have moved on, particularly in the South West where the Creative Industries are blossoming.”
Creative Apprenticeships are available for companies involved in several activities, including community arts management, photo-imaging, print, design, fashion and textiles amongst others.
Hannah added: “These apprenticeships should be snapped-up by employers and young people alike, as some of these opportunities were previously only available to people with post-graduate degrees.”
Some of the first organisations to demonstrate their support of Creative Apprenticeships are Plymouth City Council and The National Trust who are working together to offer posts in Cultural Venue and Heritage and Community Arts Management.
Hannah continued: “We’re delighted to have these organisations onboard and are specifically looking for more people who are seriously interested in developing the careers of young people to come forward.
Research conducted by Populus in February 2009 showed that 81% of businesses agreed that apprentices made their work place more productive. A survey by YouGov also showed that 94% think it is important that companies support young people by taking on apprentices in the recession.
Young people have a financial incentive too, as over the course of their careers, those with a level 3 Apprenticeship earn on average £100,000 more than those without.
For more information about the benefits an apprentice can bring to your company, contact Hannah Revell on 01752 205714 or visit www.creativebusinessservices.co.uk

For more information visit http://www.creativebusinessservices.co.uk/