In Hampshire, any company can look to take on an apprentice and with nearly 200 different training frameworks including ones in media, design and IT.

This scheme is intended to offset some of the costs to businesses involved in employing an apprentice.

Grants of up to a maximum of £4,000 are available. This will consist of a basic grant of up to £2,000 and a potential further £2,000 for the training costs of the apprentice.

The training element of an Apprenticeship for people up to the age of 19 will be paid for by central Government through the Learning and Skills Council. If your apprentice does not qualify for training funding, you may apply for the further £2,000.


Here is the link to some of the different types of
apprenticeship:
http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Types-of-Apprenticeships.aspx

The National Apprenticeship Service can speak to the company about what courses are available and where.

Businesses fulfilling the following criteria can apply:

- You employ up to 250 people across the whole business.
- Your apprentice will be employed at a location inside the Hampshire County Council area.
- Locations in Portsmouth and Southampton are not eligible
- You have discussed your needs with the National Apprenticeship Service.


Apprenticeships however are limited to those with existing qualifications between A level and not higher than an HND.  Funding isn't always available for apprentices aged over 19, so for those apprentices they can receive funding through the HCC apprenticeship grant.

An apprenticeship grant was awarded to Koch Media Ltd (based near Basingstoke) in March.

For more information on the scheme please see: http://www3.hants.gov.uk/grants/edapprenticeshipgrantscheme.htm