Firms offered grants to train new employees

Wyre Forest District Council has pledged its support to local companies for the ninth consecutive year.

So far the Apprenticeship Grant Scheme has supported more than 70 local employers, many of whom have continued to provide a job for their apprentice once they have completed their programme.

The scheme is open to businesses, based in the Wyre Forest district, with up to 200 employees.

Employers can access up to a £1,500 grant towards the cost of an apprentice who must live in the district.

Mike Parker, the council's corporate director of economic prosperity and place, said:“The council is a keen advocate of apprenticeships.

"Our partnership with Kidderminster College has been a fruitful one.

"We are pleased to be running the programme again this year, particularly as it has been such a difficult year for most in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

“The council has employed apprentices for a number of years now.

"They make a significant contribution to our organisation and bring a wealth of new skills and insights.

"They attend Kidderminster College for a day each week to pursue their studies which are immediately translated into the workplace.”

The Apprenticeship Grant Scheme supports a range of business sectors including digital marketing, social media, ICT, business administration and accountancy at Level Two and Level Three.

Melissa Yeomans, apprenticeships manager at Kidderminster College, said: “Apprenticeships are now an exciting option for both apprentice and employer.

"Apprenticeships are really important for our future economy and they can be employed at all different levels, from school leavers to people who want to further their careers or change career direction completely.

“On an apprenticeship programme, individuals receive both on and off-the-job training which builds up the required knowledge, skills and behaviours that employers are looking for in today’s competitive job market.

“At Kidderminster College, our dedicated apprenticeship team work with more than 250 fantastic companies in the area, we offer a range of programmes to suit every business.

"These also include construction, motor vehicle, childcare and hairdressing.

There are many enthusiastic and capable young people within our community looking to undertake an apprenticeship this summer so now our message to employees is that is a great time to take action if you are thinking of taking on an apprentice.”

For more information people can call the college on 01562 826515.