A GRANT scheme designed to encourage employers in the Chester and Ellesmere Port area to take on Apprentices is set to be extended.
The deadline for National Apprenticeship Service‘s (NAS) £2,500 ‘golden hello’ to help employers take on new 16 to 17-year-olds under the Apprenticeship programme has now been extended until April 19, 2010.
Demand for fund is expected to be high so organisations wanting to take advantage of the offer are being encouraged to make contact with West Cheshire College as soon as possible.
The College is one of the leading providers of Apprenticeships in the region with more than 300 Apprentices currently in place across 25 different job sectors including accountancy, construction, engineering, hair and beauty, business administration, childcare, IT and warehousing & distribution.
Commercial Services Manager Jayne Smith said: "Apprenticeships provide a high-quality alternative route to career success for individuals and give employers the right people with the right skills for their business.
"In the current circumstances it’s even more important to keep training so that local employers are ready to build up our local economy once again.
"The training programmes are available and the grant funding is here to be claimed so we are strongly advising employers to take advantage before the deadline."
People wanting to find out more about becoming an Apprentice, or employers interested in taking on Apprentices, should call the College Hotline on 01244 670600.
To find out more about ‘golden hellos’ visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Partners/AGE-16and17.aspx .
