BUSINESSES in Redditch and Bromsgrove are set to benefit from £1,500 cash boost when the take on an apprentice.

The Apprenticeship Grant scheme, organised by North Worcestershire Economic Development & Regeneration service (NWEDR), is open to businesses in the towns taking on an apprentice of any age.

Priority will be given to applications from companies in manufacturing, digital/creative and IT, life and health sciences, construction, logistics’ leisure and tourism and the grant should be applied for before the apprentice has been appointed.

The grant can be used to support apprenticeship applications at any level, but priority will be given to advanced levels 3 and 4.

Redditch Borough Council leader Bill Hartnett said: "We are committed to, and have a good track record of, providing young people with opportunities that will support their future prospects and help them to meet their potential. This grant, which we hope will encourage more employers to create apprenticeships, is one of the ways that we are supporting young people to enter the world of work."

Bromsgrove District Councillor Karen May, whose portfolio covers economic development, added: "We want our young residents to be able to find work and create a future in their hometown. This grant is to help companies meet the cost of taking on an apprentice, which then supports local people to find an apprenticeship to suit their career aspirations.

"Apprenticeships are a wonderful opportunity for both the employer and employee as the young person gets the opportunity to start a career in their chosen field, with specialist training provided. And in turn, the businesses will get the benefit of another valuable member of their workforce, trained to meet their business needs."

Grants meeting the eligibility criteria are approved on a first come, first served basis subject to availability. Companies applying should have less than 250 employees, be located in Redditch borough or Bromsgrove district and should be employing no more than two apprentices. The apprentices themselves should also be resident in either area.

The grant does not affect the business being able to apply for the national age grant if eligible.

NWEDR provides economic development and regeneration services for Wyre Forest, Redditch and Bromsgrove councils.

For more information visit nwedr.org.uk or call 08456 6015953.