This week I have written to hundreds of local businesses setting out Government support for apprenticeships, training and qualifications to help create jobs and recover from the pandemic.
The letter gives links to a host of government initiatives including the Kickstart Scheme, which fully funds six-month work placements for young people, traineeships, apprenticeships and T-Levels, among others.
We now have a road map back to normality and I know from speaking to companies and entrepreneurs across Meon Valley there is a big appetite to get the economy moving, to retrain staff and help young people get jobs and experience.
The Government understands many have had an incredibly difficult time and it must offer support and incentives to make sure those who have lost their jobs have the best possible opportunities to find others or retrain.
This letter gives all the information needed to get the ball rolling for businesses who want to build back better. I am particularly keen for businesses to look at helping young people, who have been hit very hard by Covid.
I urge everyone to look into what is available. It could help companies but also individuals make the next move and help us recover from the pandemic.
Here is the text of the letter, and is it says if you are running a business and would like to know more about any of these opportunities, do get in touch.
I hope this letter finds you well. I know that the last year has been an incredibly difficult one for businesses and I want to take this opportunity to thank you for all your work during this time, often providing vital services to our local communities.
I want to draw your attention to a crucial part of the Government’s plans for a post-Covid economic recovery – apprenticeships and work placements. These will help get people back into work and will also allow you as employers to grow talent and upskill your workforce. Hiring an apprentice is easier than often believed and there is a lot of Government support and incentives to help you do so. I have listed a few below:
- The Kickstart Scheme fully funds 6-month work placements for young people. Find out more at https://kickstart.campaign.gov.uk/.
- Incentive Payments of up to £2,000 for hiring apprentices - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/incentive-payments-for-hiring-a-new-apprentice.
- Traineeships allow you to create a customised programme with a financial incentive for each placement - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/traineeship-information-for-employers.
- The HCC Apprenticeship Levy Transfer is designed to help SMEs cover the training costs for apprentices - https://www.hampshirefutures.co.uk/course/view.php?id=548.
- T-Level Industry Placements involve collaborating with educational institutions to provide 45-day placements. Some providers offer a financial incentive - https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/employers/business-benefits.
- The National Careers Service is free to use and can help you develop your own workforce and find skilled recruits - https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/.
More information about the benefits of apprentices and the support available can be found on the Government’s apprenticeship website: https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/employers. More detail on our Plan for Jobs is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/plan-for-jobs.
I hope that this is of some help. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or if I can help you further.
Yours sincerely
Flick Drummond MP
Member of Parliament for Meon Valley
