Welsh Economy Minister Ken Skates has announced that businesses in Delyn and across Wales, will be able to claim up to £3,000 for each new apprentice they hire under the age of 25.

The £3,000 incentive, aimed at helping Wales to recover from impact of COVID-19, will be available to businesses that are employing a young apprentice for at least 30 hours per week.

Businesses in Delyn could also receive £1,500 for each new under 25 year old apprentice they employ for less than 30 hours a week.

For workers aged 25 and over, businesses can access £2,000 for each new apprentice they hire on a 30 hour or more contract, and a £1,000 incentive for apprentices working less than 30 hours. Payments will be restricted to ten learners per business.

Hannah Blythyn MS praised the announcement, saying:

“Apprenticeships are a great way of encouraging younger people in particular to step into the world of work, whilst continuing to learning and develop their skills.

 

We have some amazing businesses here in Delyn and I would urge them to consider taking on an apprentice, not just to support their business, but to provide that step up into the world of work.”

Welsh Government incentives will help to ensure crucial employment opportunities for apprentices in Wales, while supporting businesses to hire, train and develop new staff.

The announcement is part of the Welsh Labour Government’s £40 million proactive jobs and skills package to support businesses and workers in recovering from the economic impacts of Coronavirus.

Economy Minister Ken Skates said:

“I made a firm commitment to support our businesses and workers through these incredibly difficult times and today’s announcement is clear proof of that.

 

Apprentices make a huge contribution to our employers and give people a crucial opportunity to learn new skills, gain valuable experience and enhance their knowledge. They also help develop confidence which is an important factor not just in the workplace, but in our daily lives.

 

Our incentives will be important in helping Welsh businesses give an apprentice an opportunity to shine.”

The Welsh Government is also making dedicated funding available for disabled people and for workers who lost a previous apprenticeship position because of Coronavirus.

The Minister also revealed that the Welsh Labour Government is launching a bespoke Apprenticeship Vacancy Service so people can easily access details about the apprenticeship opportunities available to them.

The service will be available to all employers and learners and is aimed at enhancing and strengthening Wales’ Apprenticeship Programme.

Businesses will be able to advertise and manage their apprenticeship opportunities through the service to help support their recruitment.

For more information visit Business Wales.

The Apprenticeship Programme in Wales is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.