Local MSP Gail Ross (pictured) has urged employers in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross to apply for the SNP Government’s £15 million Apprenticeship Employer Grant.
Marking Scottish Apprenticeship Week, that runs from 1st to 7th March, the MSP has encouraged employers to make the most of the fund which would provide £5,000 for taking on or upskilling a 16 to 24-year old apprentice for those aged up to 29 years who are disabled, care leavers and minority ethnic and £3,500 for taking on or upskilling an apprentice over 25.
The grant will help increase the number of employers able to take on an apprentice or upskill an existing staff member.
The fund closes on 25th March or until funding levels are exceeded.
Commenting, SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, Gail Ross, said:
“The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the jobs and opportunities available for young people and employers have faced incredible challenges due to the pandemic – that’s why the SNP Government has introduced the Apprenticeship Employer Grant.
“To mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week, I am encouraging local businesses in the Highlands to register for the scheme and take on apprentices – creating jobs and teaching our young people new skills.
“Alongside the Young Person’s Guarantee the SNP Scottish Government is taking steps to ensure we build a resilient recovery.
“To do that we need a resilient workforce and our young people will be at the very heart of that.”
