The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) will increase apprenticeship grant funding by 30% on existing rates in a bid to encourage more employers to take on apprentices.
The CITB announced that from 1 April, its attendance grants to employers will increase to £2,500 per year, while achievement grants will rise to £3,500 for companies whose apprentice successfully completes their training.
This is an overall funding increase from £10,250 to £14,500 for each apprentice an employer takes on – an uplift of over 30% on existing rates.
CITB said it was increasing funding in response to a drop in the number of construction apprenticeships, which it blamed on economic uncertainty caused by Brexit and employers adjusting to new apprenticeship reforms, including the Apprenticeship Levy. It also follows consultation with employers across Great Britain.
Stephen Radley, CITB director of strategy and policy said: "We know that taking on an apprentices is a big investment for employers who have seen the cost of doing this go up significantly in recent years.
"These grant increases are designed to help employers of all sizes take on apprentices and ensure those learners complete their courses.
"CITB support isn’t just about money, but we believe that this major rise in grant funding will improve both apprenticeship starts and completions in our sector."
Sarah Garry, skills manager of Build UK said: “We welcome the increase in funding for apprenticeships which should make a real difference for all employers, regardless of the size of their business. This is one piece of the puzzle. CITB and industry working together will ensure the apprenticeship process is easy to understand and is accessible for everyone.”
