Cheshire College – South & West is supporting employers to make the most of the national funding and incentives available when recruiting apprentices and developing their future workforce. 

With a range of Government support available, businesses could access financial help to take on new apprentices and invest in developing skilled talent. 

Financial support available for employers 

£1,000 Young Apprenticeship Incentive 

Eligible employers could receive £1,000 when recruiting an apprentice aged 16–18, or aged 19–24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or who is a care leaver. 

Up to £2,000 Foundation Apprenticeship support 

Employers offering Foundation Apprenticeships could receive up to £2,000 to support young people aged 16–21 (or eligible 22–24-year-olds) as they gain experience and progress towards further apprenticeship opportunities. 

Up to £2,000 Job Grant (from October 2026) 

Eligible employers who do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy could access up to £2,000 when recruiting an apprentice aged 16–24. 

£3,000 Youth Jobs Grant 

Businesses recruiting eligible 18–24-year-olds who have been receiving Universal Credit and looking for work for six months or more could receive £3,000. 

Additional savings for employers 

Alongside these incentives, employers may also benefit from: 

• No National Insurance contributions for eligible apprentices aged under 25 

• No training costs for non-Levy employers recruiting apprentices aged under 25 

• Continued full Government funding for eligible apprentices aged under 25 for Levy-paying employers who have used their available funds 

Developing future talent with Cheshire College 

Apprenticeships give individuals the opportunity to earn while they learn, gaining valuable workplace experience alongside a recognised qualification. 

Cheshire College provides dedicated, tailored support at every stage of the recruitment journey, from identifying the right apprenticeship and sourcing suitable candidates to managing the recruitment process and helping employers access any funding or financial incentives they may be eligible for. Every business is different, which is why the College has a team of experts who will work closely with each employer to understand their workforce needs and provide personalised advice, making it easy to recruit, develop and retain talented apprentices who can make a real impact from day one. 

Cheshire College delivers apprenticeships across a wide range of sectors, including engineering and manufacturing, construction, health and care, digital, business, education and more. 

By recruiting an apprentice, employers can develop their workforce, address skills gaps and support the next generation of talent. Cheshire College provides support throughout the apprenticeship journey, from recruitment through to completion. 

For more information visit https://www.ccsw.ac.uk/apprenticeships/ or email employers@ccsw.ac.uk.