Government apprenticeship scheme improved and extended

Published on: 06 May 2021

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The Government apprenticeship incentives scheme has been extended and increased. Employers taking on apprentices between 1 April and 30 September 2021 will now be entitled to a bonus of £3,000 per apprentice, regardless of age. The incentive payment, which can be applied for from 1 June 2021, is in addition to the £1,000 employers already receive for hiring an apprentice aged 16 to 18 years old, under 25 with an education, health, and care plan (EHCP) or who has been in the care of their local authority.

If a business hired an apprentice between 1 August 2020 and 31 March 2021, a bonus payment is still available but must be applied for by 31 May 2021. Employers will receive £2,000 per apprentice aged 16-24 and £1,500 per apprentice aged 25 and over.

The bonus can be spent on anything to support your organisation’s costs such as uniforms, your apprentice’s travel or their salary.

Supporting employers new to the apprenticeship service

From 1 April 2021, all new apprenticeships will be managed and funded using the apprenticeship service. The Government has produced a comprehensive introduction video that takes employers through the steps and explains:

  • What your chosen training provider for the apprenticeship will do
  • What you need to do to get your apprenticeship service account in place

If you would like to know more about apprenticeships and how they can benefit you and your business, please contact the British Marine Training Team via email at training@britishmarine.co.uk