A range of government programmes, are available for employers who are considering hiring employees, offering work experience or upskilling existing staff, some of which offer financial incentives.
Paid employment for over 16s, combining work and study in a job allowing you to develop your workforce and business.
Cost – Apprentice minimum wage and 5% training contribution depending on business size
Benefits – You develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce with knowledge of your business
Time – Minimum of 12 months employment
Provide a 45-day (315 hours) industry placement for 16 to 19 year-olds, which gives you early access to the brightest young people entering the market and the opportunity to develop your workforce of the future.
Cost – Free government scheme but you may have your own business costs
Benefits – Allows you to grow your workforce in the short-term with little or no cost and scout future talent in your area
Time – Short term 45-day industry placement
Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP)
Up to 6-week placement for benefit claimants for those aged 18 and over designed to help you recruit a workforce with the right skills to sustain and grow your business.
Cost – Free government scheme but you may have your own business costs
Benefits – Helps you recruit or train staff through fully-funded pre-employment training
Time – Up to 6-weeks
Flexible training courses for aged 19 and over to fast-track specialist skill development, for existing or new talent for your business.
Cost – Cost is dependent on the size of your business. There is no cost to the employer if the learner is not currently employed by you
Benefits – A new starter will be trained in a specialist skill specific to your business and be highly motivated by a guaranteed interview afterwards
Time – up to 16-weeks
A 6-week to 12 months skills development programme that includes an unpaid work placement to help 16- to 24-year-olds prepare for an apprenticeship or employment.
Cost – Free government scheme but you may have your own business costs
Benefits – Provides a stepping stone for your future apprentices or employees to gain valuable skills relevant to your business
Time – 70 to 240 hours work placement
Help 16 to 25-year-olds who were in local authority care become independent through practical job-related support, in whatever way suits your business.
Cost – Free government scheme but you may have your own business costs related to the practical offer you make to care leavers
Benefits – Helping care-leavers to move to independent living and bring their life skills to enrich your business
Time – Length of time can vary
Free courses and additional training for your employees
Additional ways to train up existing employees through free qualifications, career advice and financial support.
Cost – Courses are fully funded for eligible adults but employees may need time to study and attend classes
Benefits – Help improve productivity, and develop a loyal and talented workforce in a rapidly changing labour market
Time – Length of time can vary
