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Get ready to take advantage of new cash, says EDA

The EDA is encouraging members and affiliates who run SMEs to get ready to take advantage of a new apprenticeship cash boost. This new cash, announced in the Chancellor’s autumn 2018 budget, will see SMEs in England contribute just 5 per cent towards the cost of apprenticeship training, instead of the current 10 percent. Government has confirmed that this new apprenticeship cash will become available from 1 April 2019.

£4,000 worth of training for £200

John Henry, MD at EDA Apprenticeships Plus (pictured above left at the launch of  the Trade Supplier Apprenticeship Standard), with whom the EDA partners for the management of the Association’s Apprenticeship Programme, explains,

“It’s perfect timing. For any business thinking about recruiting new talent, early 2019 is the time to kick start the process. This gives our team time to run recruitment campaigns and get the apprentice in place and ready for businesses to take advantage of the new funding when it comes in April 2019 or sooner.

“Here’s an example of the difference that the new cash will make: a small business hiring a new recruit through the sector’s flagship apprenticeship – Trade Supplier Apprenticeship Level 2 – is packed with £4,000-worth of bespoke industry training and associated skills with a strict testing regime to conclude – will only pay £200 towards the cost of training from April next year, rather than the current £400.”

“Don’t miss out”

Margaret Fitzsimons, CEO at the EDA, added

“The apprenticeship message is getting through and this latest cash boost will help even further. More EDA businesses than ever are interested apprenticeship training and in Q3 of 2018 the EDA team fielded more enquiries than ever before. ‘Don’t miss out’ is our message to members.”

To find out more call the EDA head office on 020 3141 7350 or email us.