Youth Guarantee and apprenticeship support welcomed
JIB and ECS have welcomed Government initiatives to support training for young people.
The Government will be fully funding apprenticeship training for eligible 16-24-year-olds at non-levy paying employers from the next academic year, expanding foundation apprenticeships and introducing short courses to help businesses develop the skills they need in England.
This builds on increased flexibility for employers, including reducing the apprenticeship minimum duration to eight months, and more flexible English and maths requirements for adult apprentices.
Apprenticeships remain the primary route into the electrotechnical industry and the broader construction sector. Support for apprenticeships will help ensure a steady supply of competent electricians, maintain safety standards and provide the necessary work skills for a successful transition to a low-carbon economy.
Youth Jobs Grant
Businesses will also be able to access the new Youth Jobs Grant, which provides £3,000 for every eligible young person they hire. Employers will receive an initial payment of £1,800 after six weeks, followed by a second payment of £1,200 after 18 weeks, provided the grant conditions are met. Those aged 18-24 years who have been on Universal Credit and looking for work for six months are eligible.
This reduces the financial burden of recruiting young people, benefiting companies in the electrotechnical sector as they respond to the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
These new measures should increase access to employment, training and apprenticeship opportunities.
The JIB Skills Development Fund also grants eligible member companies £500 when taking on an apprentice, as well as financial assistance of up to 75% of the cost of relevant upskilling qualifications. You can learn more about the Skills Development Fund here.
