Cash is being made available to Newton Aycliffe companies who want to employ apprentices.
Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership (GAMP) and Durham County Council’s Employability Team have come together to offer local firms the chance to offer apprenticeship opportunities.
The project will support businesses to create 20 engineering and manufacturing specific posts for young people living in the Great Aycliffe and Middridge area.
The aim of the project is to tackle the high levels of youth unemployment in the area by encouraging and supporting businesses to create employment opportunities that would not otherwise have existed.
The introduction of the National Apprenticeship Service Initiative, an apprenticeship grant for employees aged between 16 and 24, has given the council the opportunity to compliment available funding to develop a new programme to help small and medium size businesses.
A total grant of £2,500 is available to businesses.
Adam White, GAMP coordinator, said: “One of GAMPs’ key priorities is employment, enterprise, education and training.
“This initiative brings together local employers, the Area Action Partnership and colleagues within the council’s Employability Team with an aim of boosting, not only the job prospects of young people, but the businesses themselves.”
The programme will create opportunities that will last a minimum of 15 months with an incentive being paid at the end of month 15.
GAMP has dedicated £10,000 from its Area Budget to the project with a further £10,000 from the Neighbourhood Budget of the late Cllr Enid Paylor.
In addition £30,000 has been secured from the National Apprenticeship Service.
Companies interested in finding out more can contact Durham Council’s Employability Team on 03000 262009.
The picture above shows a group of Apprentices at Newton Aycliffe firm Finley Structures