BUSINESSES across Malvern Hills District could receive up to £1,500 towards the cost of taking on a new apprentice or trainee thanks to a new fund.
Firms in any sector can apply for up to two upskilling grants from Malvern Hills District Council as long as the trainees started after October 1, 2022.
The grant can be used to support the training of any apprentice or trainee carrying out an accredited qualification.
To qualify, businesses need to be based in the Malvern Hills district postcode area and employ fewer than 250 people.
They must pay at least the minimum wage to the trainee for a post of at least 20 hours a week, including training, over a minimum of three months. They must also provide for the trainee to gain a recognised qualification.
The new grant has been launched as a result of the successful Malvern Hills and Wychavon Upskilling Project, part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund which has now ended.
The £283,000 project involved a range of activities designed to boost skills, help businesses grow and support people into work.
The 2022 programme supported 39 businesses to which 56 grants were paid out, totalling £112,000.
And 41 apprentices were supported with training incentive payments totalling £20,500, of which 27 claimed further bursary support for equipment, work clothing and travel of £12,931.
The project also delivered the Skills Survey and age friendly support with Helen Astill from HR Solutions.
Bar Limon, located on Church Street in Great Malvern, received grant support as part of the CRF Programme last year. Opening 18 months ago, the business serves tapas and small plates, cocktails and Spanish beers and wines.
Lucy Dunlop, Bar Limon owner, said she received support from Malvern Hills District Council with the application process and from HOW College with the courses available and meeting the needs of the apprentices and the business.
“I applied for the grant as part of the CRF programme because I was looking to support local young people in gaining qualifications and benefit my business by having enthusiastic learners working for me”.
Coun Daniel Walton, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Tourism at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “This is a great opportunity for small or medium sized local businesses, and I’d encourage them to apply and take advantage of this funding, which was a great success last year.”
Visit malvernhills.gov.uk/grants-and-funding for more about the grant, and how to apply.
