February 9, 2012 12.14 pm This story is over 153 months old

Apprentice numbers in Lincoln rise 40%

New funding: Lincoln businesses and young workers can benefit from more apprenticeship funding as the number of apprentices in Lincoln rises.

Lincoln’s number of apprentices has increased by almost 40% in the last year, according to Government figures.

The figures show that 280 more people started apprenticeships in 2011, compared to 2010.

Lincoln MP Karl McCartney urges people of all ages to consider becoming an apprentice.

“Apprenticeships allow people to earn and learn at the same time, while significantly increasing their potential future earnings.”

The figures come during National Apprenticeship Week and as new government funding is introduced to target younger adults and new employees.

Training providers and businesses can bid for a share of £6m from the Higher Apprenticeship Fund.

Businesses can also apply for some of the £250 million, which gives employers access to funding for training.

The biggest benefit for Lincoln may lie with small and medium-sized businesses, who can become eligible for a £1,500 bonus for hiring an apprentice aged between 16-24.

Jane Newman, Work-Based Learning Officer at the City of Lincoln Council, hopes to encourage more Lincoln businesses to take on apprentices.

She said: “Businesses get the chance to attract home-grown talent and dedicated employees; the City Council has a very successful apprenticeship scheme, employing a large amount of apprentices permanently following their placements.”

Apprentices will be given basic skills, with providers required to offer all apprentices teaching in English and Maths up to GCSE standard.

Training providers will be on hand to ensure employers can advertise a vacancy within a month of deciding to take on an apprentice.