The mayor of Torbay, Gordon Oliver, is encouraging young people in the Bay to take advantage of a new Government initiative, designed to help businesses recruit their first apprentice.

Mr Oliver said: “This encouraging scheme offers an excellent opportunity for our young residents to get their foot on the ladder. "Torbay Council and the TDA are working tirelessly to encourage local businesses of the benefits to hiring an apprentice through events such as ‘Get South Devon Working’ and the ‘The South Devon Skills Awards,’ which have seen good attendance from the local business community, but it’s up to our young people to get out there and make the most of these opportunities presented to them.

"Young residents of Torbay are enthusiastic in aspiring to enter their chosen field and we need to continue to support them so they can realise their ambitions.”

The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) is offering grants of £1500 to small and medium sized businesses (250 employees or less), that recruit their first apprentice aged between 16 and 24.

The £1,500 grant is in addition to the training costs of the chosen Apprenticeship framework, which are met in full for 16-18 year olds and 50% for those aged 19-24.

Employers will be required to commit to employing an apprentice for a minimum of 12 months, or the time it takes for the apprentice to complete their programme. The network of quality assured Apprenticeship training providers will support the employer through the whole process, including placing their vacancy on ‘Apprenticeship Vacancies,’ the official free online recruitment service for Apprenticeships in England, managed by NAS.

They will also check the employers’ eligibility, devise the right training plan for the business and claim the grant on behalf of the employer.

Small or medium sized businesses interested in employing their first apprentice can call 08000 150 600 to speak to an advisor, or visit the Apprenticeships website for more information: www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Employers