Apprenticeship incentive - creating new opportunities for our young
I'm thrilled that the apprenticeship incentive has been increased to £3,000 for each new apprentice hired as a new employee before 30 September. This cash incentive will support businesses to take on young people and help them to develop new skills, whilst also gaining valuable work experience and I'd encourage local businesses to take up this opportunity.
Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for employers to invest in the skilled workforce they need for the future, and for young people to explore different ways of learning.
For many school leavers an apprenticeship is the best way to continue into the workforce without going on to further or higher education. It's therefore quite right that the Government provides the right financial support to help companies offer places and opportunities to young people.
A key priority for me is bringing opportunities into our communities and ending the need for people to move away to access jobs and training. I've been working with local education providers in Barnsley and Sheffield, as well as the Northern College in Stainborough, to support them in their ambitions to provide more places and courses in our area. The Stocksbridge Town Deal Board that I co-chair will also be working to bring post-16 education back to the town for the first time in many years, with a new hub at Stocksbridge High School.
Talent is spread evenly across the country, but unfortunately opportunity still isn't and I'm committed to doing all I can to support local people and businesses to grow and thrive across the constituency, and to help young people access the skills and training they need to achieve their goals.
I hope local employers will make the most of the improved apprenticeship incentive to provide new opportunities here in our communities.
