The new initiative aims to simplify the process for employers looking to take on young people aged 16 to 24. Businesses can fill out the form, and InvestNEL will arrange for local apprenticeship providers to contact them directly, guiding them through options and available funding.
Government support includes a £2,000 hiring payment starting from 1 October 2026. For businesses not paying the Growth and Skills Levy, fully funded training is available, alongside payments of £2,000 for apprentices aged 16 to 24, an additional £1,000 for those aged 16 to 18 or with specific needs, and a £2,000 foundation apprenticeship incentive for 16 to 21-year-olds.
Further incentives include a £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant for long-term unemployed 18 to 24-year-olds and no employer National Insurance contributions for apprentices under 25. These payments can be combined, potentially reaching a total of £8,000 per apprentice.
For apprentices aged 25 and over, the Government covers 95% of training costs. The scheme also encourages businesses to use apprenticeships to train existing staff.
Businesses interested in learning more or making an enquiry can visit https://my.nelincs.gov.uk/s/form/apprenticeships. InvestNEL will forward submitted details to local apprenticeship providers.
