The National Apprenticeship Service is to provide up to 5000 ‘Apprentice Grants of £2500 to encourage employers to take on new 16-17 year old apprentices.
 
Last year, despite tough labour market conditions, over 70000 16-17 year olds started an Apprenticeship. However, there are still more young people who want to learn whilst they are in work and the National Apprenticeship Service is determined to make sure that the opportunities are there for them to do so.
 
Stratford Business Services, the business and training division of the college, offers a range of work-based learning opportunities for young people across a number of specialist areas. An apprenticeship normally takes up to two years to complete and individuals can therefore be employed in their chosen occupational area, whilst continuing their education at college. On successful completion of an apprenticeship, a level 2 qualification and technical certificate are rewarded. Individuals can then progress on to an advanced apprenticeship which is a further two years and leads to a level 3 qualification.
 
Funding will be administered by the National Apprenticeship Service. Employers will commit to taking on a new or additional apprentice in paid employment for the duration of the training. In return, 5000 employers will receive a £2500 bonus and the National Apprenticeship Service will cover the full Apprenticeship training costs, as it would for any 16-18 year old Apprentice. The funding will target those employers who would not otherwise have been in a position to recruit an Apprentice at this point in time or who are able to offer more Apprenticeship places than they would otherwise have done. For more information, contact the National Apprenticeship Service helpline on 08000 150 160.  

Apprenticeships are available at the college in a range of subjects including Business & Administration, Childcare, Learning & Development, Cultural and Heritage Operations, Customer Service, Hospitality & Catering, IT, Technical Theatre, Mechanical and Electro-technical Engineering, Motor Vehicle, Construction and many more.
 
For more information on the apprenticeship opportunities at Stratford Business Services visit www.sbs.stratford.ac.uk| or call 01789 261123.