The grant is being offered to small to medium-sized companies within the manufacturing, engineering, and industrial sectors with fewer than 250 employees. It is available when recruiting a new 16-24 year-old apprentice, and up to three grants can be made to each employer. As there are a limited number of grants available, Virtual College is offering interested employers guidance and information on funding and eligibility criteria.

Alistair Gladstone, divisional director of YP Training, says, "The Government is putting some real financial incentives behind new apprenticeship recruitment. This could provide the spark needed to motivate employers to take on new young employees. The new grant could be just what companies need to encourage them to take on a new apprentice and re-invigorate their workforce."

YP Training is a specialist training provider that makes intelligent use of technology in its delivery of apprenticeships to companies, without the disruption that college attendance can create.

Alistair explains, "Apprentices use technology to study at a flexible time and place - at a pace that they can determine. This also allows learning to be tailored to the operational needs of the business. Both the apprentices and their employers appreciate the practical advantages of this innovative approach."