Last chance to get up to £5,000 to cover the cost of your future workforce

Last chance to get up to £5,000 to cover the cost of your future workforce Businesses thinking of applying for funding to support a current or future apprentice should do so now, as there's just a few grant allocations left. Designed to help small businesses in Staffordshire to thrive and not just survive after the pandemic, the funding is part of the Staffordshire Means Back to Business scheme, a collaboration between the county council and partners. The scheme has already supported over 300 apprentices in businesses ranging from HR agencies, mechanics, top class restaurants, electrical contractors and beyond. It's about getting the right skills you need without the financial risk. Grants are still available to businesses predominately based in the Newcastle-under-Lyme area, although some funding may be available to businesses elsewhere if businesses move quick. Funding can be used for a wide range of purposes including supporting wages, purchase of equipment and materials and any further training needed. In a recent survey, 72% of businesses have said that they believe that apprentices are key to their recovery after Covid-19, with 70% of saying that they’ll be taking on at least one apprentice this year. But why have businesses taken on apprentices and what have they used the £2,000 to £5,000 grant for? “Apprentices are central to our business operations” – the Jack Moody Group, one of the UKs top landscaping companies “Helping towards his wages while he’s training – Midlands Connect Ltd electricians “95% of our staff are apprentices because we’re growing the future” – FMS Car and Truck “As a mature apprentice she’s opened up new markets for us” – Ripple HR “Apprentices bring in new best-selling dishes” – Aston Marina Apply now for one of the last remaining apprenticeship grants