New apprenticeship grants for South Norfolk and Broadland businesses

Building Futures is a new incentive scheme funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and launched today by Apprenticeships Norfolk. The project aims to remove the financial barriers businesses may face when considering hiring an apprentice, and also provide valuable practical support from a team of experts in the field.

Building Futures has two grant streams available: a £2,000 grant open to all businesses thinking of hiring an apprentice, and a limited number of £5,000 grants specifically for businesses looking to develop the green skills workforce. The £5,000 grants are available for businesses who implement a ‘Dark Green’ apprenticeship such as a Low Carbon Heating Technician, an Arborist or an Corporate Sustainability & Responsibility Practitioner for example – other apprenticeship standards are also available.

The grant funding is available for businesses based in South Norfolk or Broadland, or for a business in another Norfolk district who wishes to recruit an apprentice who lives in South Norfolk or Broadland.

Cllr Fabian Eagle, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth at Norfolk County Council said:

“Apprentices bring huge value and innovation to an organisation and can have a significant impact on the growth of any business. Building Futures removes some of the financial pressure of taking on an apprentice, and the grants, knowledge and associated support packages available from Apprenticeships Norfolk are a fantastic opportunity for businesses in the two districts to grow. The larger grants available for businesses looking to improve their green credentials are a bonus.”

Apprenticeships Norfolk is delivering Building Futures on behalf of South Norfolk and Broadland District. The scheme provides financial support paid over the first 18-weeks of the apprenticeship, and practical support from Apprenticeships Norfolk to help identify apprenticeship opportunities and guide employers through the apprenticeship process. Two employer eLearning modules to support apprentice onboarding, mentoring and sustainability awareness for businesses will help to build longer-term employer confidence with hiring apprentices and gain knowledge about how their business can be futureproofed through sustainable practices. Further details can be found on the Apprenticeships Norfolk website.

South Norfolk Cabinet Member, Cllr Lisa Neal, said:

“Apprentices can add enormous value to any business, increasing productivity, plugging skills gaps and can be trained for specialist niche roles, that are difficult to recruit for. This is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses and for anyone looking to start a new career.”

Broadland District Cabinet Member, Cllr Martin Booth, said:

“Apprenticeships are a great way for people to learn new skills, develop confidence and get a foot on the career ladder while continuing to earn. We hope these grants will encourage more businesses to open their doors to apprentices and reap the benefits of developing and nurturing motivated individuals who are keen to learn.”