18 Jan 2012
Stockport Council is re-launching its successful 50:50 Apprenticeship Scheme, to encourage employers to offer employment opportunities for 16-18 year olds.
The scheme will be launched with an event at the Town Hall on Monday 6th February during Apprenticeship Week (6th to 12th February), from 10.00am to 2.00pm. The event is for both young people and local employers.
The Council’s 50:50 Apprenticeship Scheme will offer 50 Apprenticeship grants to employers who take on a 16-18 year old Stockport resident who is unemployed or not already in education, training or on an apprenticeship.
Employers must commit to taking on an apprentice in paid employment for the duration of their training. The minimum apprenticeship wage requirement of £2.60 per hour for 16-18 year olds will apply. In return, employers will receive a grant of £1,000 subject to the apprentice staying on the programme for 20 continuous weeks.
The grants will be available for apprentices that start employment from 6th February to 13th April but employers can express their interest now. Last year over a hundred employers expressed an interest in the scheme.
Councillor Stuart Bodsworth, Stockport Council’s Executive Member for Children & Young People, said: “The Council’s 50:50 Apprenticeship Scheme was so successful in finding meaningful employment for young people last year that we are re-launching it in 2012.
"The scheme is mutually beneficial for both employers and young people. I would encourage young people aged between 16-18 who are currently unemployed to take part in this scheme and come along to the launch event on 6th February.”
Last year’s scheme helped young people like Jake aged 18 who has become an Apprentice at a Stockport dental practice. Jake saw the opportunities that Dentistry offered and proved himself to be a valuable member of staff. He is now well on his way to becoming a fully trained, Registered Dental Nurse.
Deborah Parker, Practice Manager from Revive Dental Care, said: “Our company feels very strongly that young people have an enormous amount of talent which is often overlooked. They have energy and enthusiasm and learn quickly. We therefore fully supported Stockport Council’s 50:50 Apprenticeship Scheme.”
Employers and young people wanting more information about the Council’s 50:50 Apprenticeship scheme and the event should contact the Council on 0161 474 2350 or email