Eden Apprenticeship Scheme extends criteria to help more businesses

Eden District Council is supporting local businesses to recruit apprentices and upskill existing staff through its popular apprentice grant, and through a recent change, more employees are set to benefit.

The Eden Apprenticeship Scheme offers a grant of up to £2,000 for local firms who take on an apprentice. A change to the criteria also means that apprentices of all ages can now benefit from the scheme.

New or existing employees – of all ages - can undertake an apprenticeship qualification. A range of apprenticeship routes are available, such as business administration, engineering, care services, hospitality and much more.

The Council-funded scheme is aimed at businesses of all sectors across the district and has so far supported over 50 businesses in Eden to provide employment for 68 apprentices.

Cllr Mary Robinson, Portfolio Holder for Economy and Enterprise at Eden District Council said: "The Council is delighted to have this incentive available to local businesses, to encourage the recruitment of apprentices and the upskilling of staff.

"Apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and businesses to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with future-ready skills.

"I'm really pleased that we have removed the upper age limit for the Eden Apprenticeship Scheme, which will provide new opportunities for local people to explore fresh career paths, as well as helping businesses get the skills they need to drive economic recovery and prosperity."

One such business that has benefitted from the scheme is Appleby Manor Hotel and Garden Spa, which has taken on a 28-year-old Level 3 Chef de Partie Apprentice.

Mike Dunbobbin, owner and operator, said, "I initially contacted the Economic Development team at Eden District Council as I had an employee that had undertaken an apprenticeship with our company but was just 12 months too old to qualify for the Eden Apprenticeship Scheme.

"It was great to see that when I brought this to the attention of the Council, they acted on this immediately and the policy was changed within a matter of weeks.

"[I agree that] there should be equal opportunity for these schemes without strict age limits, as many people are looking to retrain or change careers at the current time."

If you are considering taking on a new apprentice, or if you have recently recruited one, you can find out more about the Eden Apprenticeship Scheme by emailing [email protected]