TARGET: 45 additional apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes designed around the needs of employers that lead to nationally recognised qualifications. A package of on-the-job training, they can take anything between one and four years to complete, and can be undertaken by both new and existing employees.

There are a number of incentives available aimed at encouraging small and medium (SME) employers to take on apprentices aged between 16 and 24 years old. DWP, through the Youth Contract, are providing 20,000 Apprenticeship Grants for Employers (AGE 16 - 24) with a value of £1500. In addition to this grant, the training costs of the apprentice are also met in full for young people aged 16 - 18 and 50% for those aged 19 - 24. More information on AGE 16 - 24 can be found on the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) website: www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Project 365 is particularly focused on encouraging the development of apprenticeships leading to technical positions, particularly (but note exclusively) within the manufacturing sector.