Employers in Milton Keynes are being encouraged to take advantage of new government funding to take on an apprentice.

Milton Keynes College has received record numbers of apprentice applications in recent months and is now appealing to local employers to create more high-quality apprenticeship opportunities so more people, particularly young people, can kick-start a rewarding career.

The new government scheme, which is open until the end of January next year, provides employers that hire a new apprentice with a cash payment of up to £2,000 for each new apprentice they hire.

Applicants can use the money for anything to support their organisation’s costs, for example equipment or facilities, uniforms, the apprentice’s travel or their salary.

Tracey Matthews, assistant principal for apprenticeships at Milton Keynes College, said: “Young people have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic so we’re reaching out to employers to ask them to come forward if they can offer apprenticeship opportunities.

“We’re receiving some really high calibre applications so employers can take their pick of talented candidates, who are all eager and willing to start adding value to their organisation.”

She added: “Our team has many years of experience supporting employers to train their staff and with the new government bonuses also now available, there has never been a better time to take on an apprentice with Milton Keynes College.”

The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, recently announced the new bonuses for employers who take on apprentices as part of the Government’s Plan for Jobs. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-plan-for-jobs-documents/a-plan-for-jobs-2020

From August to January, any firm that hires a new young apprentice aged 16 to 24 will receive £2,000, while those that hire new apprentices aged 25 and over will be paid £1,500.

The new cash payments will be in addition to the existing £1,000 payment the government already provides for employing new 16-18 year old apprentices. This means that employers could receive up to £3,000 for hiring 16 to 18 year old apprentices from August to January.

Employers can also get the incentive payment when they hire an apprentice who has been made redundant, as long as they are new to the organisation. Employers, both large and small, of new apprentices in England may apply. From 1 September 2020, employers can apply for the extra bonuses through their apprenticeship service account.

Milton Keynes College offers apprenticeships in a wide range of areas, including Accounting, Business Administration, Customer Service, Digital Marketing, Engineering, Hairdressing, Hospitality, IT & Digital, Leadership & Management and Data Analyst.

Employers who would like to talk to someone about employing an apprentice and getting help claiming the new bonuses should call the College’s Apprenticeships team on 01908 637056 or email mailto:employerteam@mkcollege.ac.uk