The National Apprenticeship Service is providing up to 5000 Apprenticeship Grants of £2500 to encourage employers to take on unemployed 16-17 year olds as apprentices.

The £2500 grant is available until the end of March 2010 with small and medium sized businesses eligible to apply. The grant is in addition to the costs of training which are already met by the National Apprenticeship Service.

Contact Melody or Valerie (0191 4904651/2) who will be happy to discuss your requirements and provide further information on how to access the grant.