Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC) is encouraging apprentices to apply for support grants before the deadline at the end of September.
Last year, MHDC received £283,000 of funding from the Government’s Community Renewal Fund (CRF) to invest in skills, training and employment opportunities, and this funding comes to an end this month.
As well as upskilling grants available for businesses going towards the cost of taking on a new apprentice or trainee, support payments of up to £1,000 are also available to help apprentices and trainees. The support payments go towards covering the cost of travel, equipment, clothing and other associated expenses.
MHDC is also offering a £500 ‘Golden Hello’ payment to anyone starting an apprenticeship to help encourage people to consider on-the-job training as a route into work and to take up the apprenticeship position available locally.
Since December, the CRF has provided 68 Upskilling Grants to 54 companies and supported 35 apprentices and trainees with bursaries.
The deadline for applications is approaching at the end of the month and MHDC is encouraging people of all ages to consider an apprenticeship and to apply for existing apprentices to apply for the grants.
An apprenticeship is a great opportunity to learn a skill whilst earning a wage and valuable work experience. The Development Manager (TDM) is one local training provider who are delivering apprenticeships because they believe in the value of work-based learning.
Danielle Simmonds, Marketing Executive at TDM, said: “I started my apprenticeship journey on the Level 3 Digital Marketing course, and I’ve just started my Level 6 Digital Marketing Degree Apprenticeship. The reason I decided to do an apprenticeship was because I decided the university route wasn’t for me. I prefer more of a hands-on learning, being in the workplace and putting what I’m learning into action. This was a great basis to developing my career.”
Cllr Daniel Walton, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Tourism at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “If you have recently received your exam results, are unsure what to do with your future or are looking for a change in your career, I would encourage considering the apprenticeship route. There is still time to apply for grants as part of the CRF and Malvern Hills District Council will be able to provide any support and advice you need.”
