Applying for the Government Apprentice Incentive Payments

In July 2020, the Government announced it's 'Plan For Jobs' to support businesses with new incentives for the recruitment of apprentices.

From 1st September 2020, employers can apply for incentive payments for hiring a new apprentice. With many employers registering their interest and already starting recruitment drives for new apprentices, here are the three steps needed to apply for the incentive payments.

STEP 1 - HIRE NEW APPRENTICES BETWEEN 1 AUGUST 2020 AND 31 JANUARY 2021

Any business can apply for the incentive payment. The important thing is that the apprentices hired are new to your organisation and not an existing employee. They must also start their contract of employment and their apprenticeship with yourselves between 1st August 2020 and 31 January 2021.

STEP 2 - APPLY FOR THE INCENTIVE PAYMENT FROM 1 SEPTEMBER

You’ll be able to apply for the incentive payment from 1 September 2020, but only after you’ve added new apprentices to your Apprenticeship Service account. 

For information about the Apprenticeship Service - view our introduction webinar below.

 

To apply for the payment - click here to apply.

STEP 3 - GET PAID UP TO £2,000 FOR EACH NEW APPRENTICE

Once you've applied, you’ll be eligible for 2 equal installments after the apprentice completes 90 and 365 days of their apprenticeship. You can expect the first payments in January 2021. 

Recruiting an apprentice means you are investing in young talent and future-proofing your business. For each new apprentice you hire you could get paid up to £2,000.

For apprentices aged:

• 16 to 24, they’ll receive £2,000 in total
• 25 and over, they’ll receive £1,500 in total

Importantly, you can spend the payment on anything to support your organisation’s costs, from facilities and travel to uniforms and salaries. This is also in addition to the existing £1,000 payment the government already provides for new 16-18 year-old apprentices and those aged under 25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan.

Don't forget...

Apprenticeship training and apprenticeship standard qualifications also continue to be fully funded for those aged 16-18 for those employed by companies with less than 50 staff. For businesses with over 50 staff, recruiting apprentices aged 19+ requires a co-investment payment or levy payment.

For information on recruiting an apprentice or to book a friendly chat with a member of our partnerships team call 01782 279121 or click below.