Lancaster & Morecambe College can support businesses wanting to find out more about recruiting apprentices

The healthy partnerships between colleges, businesses and future workforce employees are thriving after being set back by the coronavirus.

The government has announced a raft of incentives to kick-start the economy and to support local businesses to reopen and rebuild. Businesses who employ a new apprentice between August 1 2020 and January 31 2021 are entitled to additional grant payments, alongside the usual 95 per cent apprenticeship funding.

Kelly Lightfoot, from the Employer Engagement Team at Lancaster & Morecambe College, has already seen an increase in interest from local employers who are keen to find out more about the benefits of recruiting an apprentice.

She said: “The incentives are really encouraging businesses to consider whether an apprentice is a viable option for them. It isn’t just about the increased funding available; apprentices bring new skills and opportunities into the workplace and we are seeing a growing number of adults choosing to retrain through the apprenticeship route.

“This week alone, we have seen a number of new vacancies appear on the National Apprenticeship Website (NAS) and have signed up 15 employers who want to recruit via the college. Our team are here to support and advise any business who wants to find out more.”