A new grant for employers has just been announced. Known as ‘AGE 16 and 17’, the grant will enable employers to offer new Apprenticeship places by taking on an unemployed 16 or 17 year old before March 31.

The £2,500 grant is in addition to the costs of training which are already met by the National Apprenticeship Service. Companies will receive a £1,500 payment immediately and a further £1,000 after 12 weeks.

Matthew Phelps, head of workforce & business development at Eastleigh College, said: “We are particularly interested in engaging with small and medium-sized employers looking to employ an Apprentice for the first time, or who want to employ an additional Apprentice over their traditional level of recruitment.

“Young people have been among the hardest hit during the recession, and it is vital that we support them and ensure that we are training a new generation for economic recovery. We can offer Apprenticeships in a wide range of fields including construction, catering, hairdressing and plumbing, so there really is something for everyone.”

This is a strictly limited offer, with only 5,000 grants available nationally, so it's important that you act immediately. For more information, call or visit the Apprenticeships team at Eastleigh College on 023-8091-1226 or email ecta@eastleigh.ac.uk