[I]n 2012 Eden District Council and partners launched an employer grant scheme to support apprenticeship provision in the district of Eden. Since its introduction, Eden businesses have benefitted from £125,000 in grants to support apprenticeship provision.
The scheme has 57 employers and 62 apprentices. In 2016 Appleby Heritage Centre took over the administration of the scheme for an initial period of one year. Since then it has supported a further 12 employers and 16 apprentices with 8 further apprenticeship opportunities in the pipeline.
The grants of up to £2000 are provided by Invest in Eden in partnership with Appleby Heritage Centre. Due to the success of the scheme, it will be extended until March 2018. This grant is in addition to other government grants employers may be eligible to claim.
Paul Walker, Business Marketing Officer from Eden District Council said: “Our aim is to grow the economy in Eden. To do this, businesses need access to a skilled workforce. The scheme will support our communities by providing opportunities for young people to gain employment and skills for their future. With so many employers taking advantage of the scheme, we are delighted that we have been able to extend it until March 2018.”
By taking advantage of the scheme businesses are able to grow, bread creativity and enthusiasm with new talent and retain and upskill current staff.
Hayley Chapman from Appleby Heritage Centre said: “Appleby Heritage Centre has been providing training in Eden for many years. We have developed strong links with schools, training providers and crucially employers making Appleby Heritage Centre ideally placed to continue the success of this scheme. Our strong links allow us to provide a wide range of apprenticeship frameworks to help businesses grow, and give young people the opportunity to learn new skills.”
Sam Alderson, owner of Biggins Day Nursery, Ravenstonedale and Shining Stars Nursery Appleby said: “We are very keen to work with local training providers, such as Appleby Training and Heritage Centre. We have employed adult learners and apprentices who have completed their qualifications with the support of Appleby Training and Heritage Centre staff. We are also very grateful to Eden District Council for the financial support which has contributed towards the costs associated with employing two intermediate level apprentices in the current year.”
Jim Chalmers from Logic Plumbing Heating and Electrical said: “Logic have found the grants a valuable contribution to the cost of employing and training apprentices in the Eden area. They were a factor in deciding to continue to offer apprenticeship opportunities.”
For information on the Eden Apprenticeship Scheme visit www.investineden.co.uk or call Appleby Heritage Centre on 01768353350
