Scheme that has supported almost 100 apprenticeships is extended

The success and impact of the scheme, delivered by Apprenticeships Norfolk and originally funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, has led Broadland District Council and South Norfolk Council to directly fund its continuation until March 2028.

In just two years, the package of practical and financial support has facilitated 97 apprenticeship starts and contributed an estimated £6.2 million to the local economy. Enhanced wraparound support is provided to employers looking to take on a new apprentice and the same assistance can be given to businesses wanting to upskill staff.

Rackheath firm Vincents Electrical Ltd is among the businesses that have benefited from Building Futures. Managing Director Chris Conroy said:

The apprenticeship has absolutely increased the apprentice’s productivity. He is now out there building and making stuff, all of which he does productively and to a high skill level. This means we can sell and deliver more work, which otherwise we might have had to put out to external sub-contractors.”

With 92% of apprenticeships supported at Level 2 or 3 and 69% of apprentices hired aged 16-19, Building Futures has enabled local employers to offer much needed opportunities to young people to kickstart their careers through entry level positions. When surveyed, 90% of Building Futures employers said their apprentice had exceeded expectations, with 86% interested in recruiting an apprentice again.

The councils’ decision to extend Building Futures to March 2028 will allow Apprenticeships Norfolk to continue supporting small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) in the two districts, identifying apprenticeship opportunities or other skills solutions, guiding employers through the process of setting these up. Free bitesize employer training is also available to ensure employers feel confident in supporting their apprentice to succeed.

Guidance on financial support is also provided, including apprenticeship wage forecasting and signposting to new and existing UK Government grants for SMEs hiring an apprentice.

Building Futures employers will also be able to claim a micro-grant to support with initial onboarding costs presented in the first few weeks of the apprenticeship.

South Norfolk Council's Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Growth, Cllr Lisa Overton-Neal said:

Apprentices can bring enormous value to businesses by increasing productivity, addressing skills shortages and developing expertise in specialist roles that can be difficult to recruit for. Building Futures gives local employers the support they need to invest in new talent while creating exciting opportunities for people looking to start or develop their careers."

Broadland District Council's Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Cllr Martin Booth said: "Apprenticeships offer a fantastic route into employment, helping people gain practical skills, build confidence and earn while they learn. Through Building Futures, we hope to encourage more businesses to discover the benefits apprentices can bring and to support the next generation of skilled workers who will help our local economy thrive."

Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Business, Skills and Agriculture Cllr Kabeer Kher added: “We’ve seen almost 100 people start apprenticeships in the county because of the package of free support offered by Building Futures, and I’m delighted that Apprenticeships Norfolk is going to continue to support businesses in this way.

“The fact that 90% of employers said their apprentice had exceeded expectations underlines the benefits to both the individual and the business.

Apprenticeships Norfolk provides an impartial service to all employers, providers, apprentices and stakeholders. Further details of the project can be found here: www.apprenticeshipsnorfolk.org/buildingfutures