There is some good news for local businesses looking for help with providing apprenticeships this year, as funding to cover the full training costs of an apprenticeship is being made available to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) across East Sussex.
Through the council’s apprenticeship levy transfer scheme, the Transform programme is offering East Sussex small and medium businesses the chance to apply for a share of over £300,000.
The Transform project, which will provide help with access apprenticeship advice and funding for businesses in East Sussex is part-funded by the European Social Fund and led by East Sussex County Council (ESCC) and it is delivered by the Sussex Council for Training Providers (SCTP). Many local businesses have already benefitted from the scheme with the advice and support offered by SCTP’s Transform Skills advisers.
Apprenticeships offer an opportunity for people to take the first steps onto the career ladder, change career paths or develop new skills in their current role, earn money while training and gain qualifications from entry level to the equivalent of a master’s degree.
Apprenticeships are making a difference in companies across the county as well as playing a vital role helping businesses in East Sussex find the talent they need to grow. Cllr Rupert Simmons, East Sussex County Council’s lead member for the economy, said: “I am delighted that we are able to offer over £300,000 for apprenticeship training to local small and medium sized businesses. The council is committed to working with its partners and local businesses to increase the number of apprenticeships in the county. This money will provide a much-needed boost to improving the skills and training for apprentices in East Sussex as we continue our economic recovery from the pandemic. I would urge local businesses to get in touch to find out how they could benefit from the Transform project and the support available.”
Small and medium enterprises in East Sussex can contact transform@sctp.org.uk for further information and businesses can also visit the Sussex Council of Training Providers website to access the free and impartial Transform skills support service at www.sctp.org.uk/transform-programme.
Image Credits: East Sussex County Council .