With additional incentive funding of up to £3,000 now available, taking on an apprentice is a more attractive step for many.  Payments are available for employers that take on an apprentice between 1 August 2020 and 31 January 2021 – funding is in addition to the CITB grants available to support a business taking on an apprentice and existing support for training.

From 1 September 2020, employers can apply for these incentive payments for hiring a new apprentice.

Funding payments will be made in three steps:

Step 1:  Hire a new apprentice(s) between 1 August 2020 and 31 January 2021 (extention confirmed as 31 March 2021) . FIS can help you with recruitment and selection.  Alternatively Recruit an apprentice is the official government service for posting and managing apprenticeship vacancies and traineeship opportunities in England.

Step 2:  Apply for the payment after you add the new apprentice(s) to your apprenticeship service account. If you do not already have an National Apprenticeship Services account, please read the guidance and register via guidance to manage apprenticeship funds.  FIS strongly encourage all employer members to open an account.

Step 3:  You will be eligible for two equal instalments after your apprentice completes 90 and 365 days of their apprenticeship.

Employers can spend the funding payment on anything to support the organisation’s costs, from facilities and travel to uniforms and salaries.  This is in addition to the £1,000 payment already available to help employers meet the needs of some groups of apprentices in the workplace.

To register your interest go to apprenticeship.service.gov.uk/ and complete an employer enquiry form.  Alternatively, you can call the National Apprenticeship Service on 08000 150 600.

Further Guidance on apply for these incentives if you are based in England is available here,

If you are not based in England and are interested in taking on an apprentice, further information on how to access incentives is available via the links below:

Scotland | Northern Ireland | Wales

Remember, if you are in scope to CITB grants of up to £11,000 may also be available for employers who employ apprentices.

Employer Incentive Payments 2020
FIS employer members are encouraged to apply for funding from source, any third parties offering funding will no doubt mean you receive less than you are actually eligible for.  If you need any information, advice or guidance on training, qualifications, apprentices, work placements or eligibility for funding (including CITB grant payments, Local Enterprise Partnership funds and employer allowances via the Department of Work and Pensions) in the first instance please contact FIS via info@thefis.org or 0121  707 0077