Steve Brine has welcomed news that Winchester City Council is launching a new apprenticeship grant scheme to help young people starting an apprenticeship.
The Council's brand new scheme involves allocating grants of up to £1,000 to apprentices to cover some basic costs which might otherwise be difficult to finance. These range from a simple set of work clothes to the cost of travel to the work place or training venue each week.
Applicants must live within the Winchester District and the grant can potentially be used for any cost to the employee of taking on their apprenticeship which is not reasonably met by their wages, benefits, training provider, employer or other grants.
Cllr Robert Humby, Winchester City Council's Deputy Leader said: "There are a number of other grant schemes available to promote apprenticeships which are generally aimed at the employer, to incentivise their time and efforts in taking on an apprentice. We have indentified that some basic requirements of the apprentice are not being met either through their wages, benefits or existing grant schemes. In a large rural District such as Winchester, transport costs are a prime example of a need which our new grant scheme could address."
A WCC spokesperson said: "Apprenticeships are a form of work-based training gathering momentum nationwide. It is recognised by employers as a useful alternative to traditional academic routes of learning, and enables the apprentice to gain basic work and life skills in addition to the technical expertise in their chosen subject.
"Apprenticeships can make your business more effective, productive and competitive by addressing your skills gaps directly, even in uncertain economic times. There are government grants available of up to £1,500 for small and medium sized businesses (employing less than 250 staff), recruiting their first apprentice aged 16 to 24 years old. To find out more about taking on an apprentice visit
www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Employers.aspx or attend the next Wired Wessex networking event on 27 September at Winchester Guildhall (see www.wiredwessex.com for more information)."
Winchester MP Steve Brine added: "This is a fantastic piece of news. I recall this topic came up at a business breakfast I attended with the local Chamber and BID, and I am delighted Winchester City Council is really pushing this."
More information...
To find out more about Winchester City Council apprenticeship scheme download the criteria and application form at www.winchester.gov.uk/community/grants/apprenticeship-grants/ or contact Alison Woods at Winchester City Council on 01962 848 347 or email awoods@winchester.gov.uk.