Apprenticeships offer a means to advance in the labour market in a range of industries, and can help deliver the skills employers and the economy need to recover after the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

As part of the Government's Plan for Jobs, employers are being offered £2,000 for each new apprentice they hire aged under 25, and £1,500 for each newly recruited apprentice aged 25 and over.  This includes taking on an apprentice who has been made redundant.

The cash boost is designed to support employers to cover the cost of recruiting an apprentice, such as providing facilities, uniforms, helping with travel costs or to help pay their salary.

This new incentive for employers is on top of the existing £1,000 payment for new 16-18 year-old apprentices, and those aged under 25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan.

Employers from all sectors, both large and small, of new apprentices in England may apply. More detail here.