Huw Merriman, MP for the Bexhill and Battle constituency, has welcomed the Government’s major package of reforms to support businesses to deliver more apprenticeship places, benefitting local small businesses and young people.
Backed by £60 million of new Government funding for 2024-25, the Government will fully fund apprenticeships in small businesses from 1 April by paying the full cost of training for anyone up to the age of 21 – reducing costs and burdens for businesses and delivering more opportunities for young people to kickstart their career.
The Government will also increase the amount of funding that large employers who are paying the Apprenticeship Levy can pass onto other businesses – from 25 per cent of their unused Levy to 50 per cent. Taken together, these measures are expected to enable up to 20,000 more apprenticeships, unlocking the opportunities our young people deserve.
This builds on the Government’s strong track record of creating a world-class apprenticeship system, with over 5.7 million people starting an apprenticeship since 2010.
Commenting, Huw said:
“Last Friday, I spent the entire day at the Bexhill Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair at the De La Warr Pavilion which my office helps to organise with the De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill College and Rother District Council. It was our 8th Jobs Fair and another great success with over 50 exhibitors from a wide range of industries and well over 600 people coming through the doors looking for jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities in our area.
“I know from talking to local businesses and colleges that apprenticeships are a brilliant way to recruit and train talented people. Apprenticeships are not only for those starting a career, they are also available to those looking to change career direction. I was delighted to meet a number of exhibitors at the Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair who told me that they had started their successful careers as apprentices. They were great ambassadors for the scheme.
“I am therefore very pleased to welcome the latest Government announcement on apprenticeship reform. This is really good news as it will mean hundreds more people will be able to fulfil their potential, while also helping small local businesses make the most of our fantastic local talent and grow the economy."
Photo - Bexhill Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair credit: Lineker Photography
