Parent and Carers

All young people have to stay in education or training until at least their 18th birthday. An Apprenticeship is a great alternative to college or sixth form and are now available up to degree level and beyond.

Benefits for all apprentices

Support for care leavers and those who have a Local Authority Education, Health and Care plan

Apprentices aged 19-24 who have previously been in care or who have a Local Authority Education, Health and Care plan may need extra support and the government recognises that this can represent an extra cost to employers.

Employers who train an apprentice who is aged 19-24 and has previously been in care or who has a Local Authority Education, Health and Care plan, will receive £1,000 to help with these additional costs in the same way as the payment for 16-18 year old apprentices.

The government want to continue to support smaller employers to take on those who need more support. Employers with fewer than 50 people working for them can employ apprentices at no cost, those aged 19-24 who have previously been in care or who have a Local Authority Education, Health and Care plan. These employers are not required to contribute the 5% co-investment; instead, the government will pay 100% of the training costs for these individuals.

The government understand that care leavers can face additional financial barriers to undertaking an apprenticeship. From 1 August 2018 they have introduced a £1,000 bursary to apprentices aged 16-24 who have been in the care of their Local Authority, to help ensure they are able to access apprenticeships. It will not come from the employer’s account. The government will pay it to eligible apprentices, via their training provider.

Further information can be found on the link below;

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-parents-guide-to-apprenticeships