Cash boost incentive given to Worcester businesses recruiting new apprentices

Worcester City Council has announced a new cash incentive scheme, to help local firms meet the costs of hiring new apprentices.
 
The scheme will enable businesses in the growth sectors of Cyber Security/ICT/Defence, Engineering/Advanced Manufacturing, Visitor and Destination Economy and Construction to claim a £1,000 grant when they take on a Worcester resident aged 16 – 24 years as their new apprentice. The grant is available at all entry levels, including Higher Level Apprenticeships.
 
“Businesses often tell us that finding and retaining young people with the right skills is a barrier to growth, but don’t always recognise that apprenticeships are a cost-effective way to train and retain their future workforce,” said Cllr Geoff Williams, Cabinet Member for Economic Prosperity at Worcester City Council.
 
“Our grant will encourage businesses to take another look at the benefits of recruiting apprentices.”
 
Worcester-based firm Titania (www.titania.com) currently employs 44 people and is a leading provider of cyber security solutions to global businesses and government agencies.  The business has taken on eight apprentices since the business launched in 2009.  The three apprentices currently with the company are working as a software developer, product and website tester and office assistant.
 
“The ‘cyber security skills gap’ has made headlines recently, and it’s true that recruitment in our industry is very difficult. Being provided with enthusiastic, capable young people, who have already been vetted and qualified by apprenticeship providers is a massive help,” explains Ian Whiting, CEO of Titania. 
 
“This means that we have really strong candidates who we can train to grow alongside the company and develop a career with us.”
 
“Apprenticeships are a brilliant way of offering talented young people a chance to demonstrate their skills without the need for a University degree,” adds Shelley Gunnell, HR Manager at Titania.
 
For more information on eligibility for the Worcester Apprenticeship Grant Scheme visit www.worcsapprentieships.org.uk
 
Photo – L to R:
 
Josh Allen – Apprentice Test Engineer, Titania
Shannon Parry – Apprentice Office Assistant, Titania
Cllr Geoff Williams
Sian Conway – Marketing Manager, Titania
Ian Whiting – CEO, Titania
Ryan Harrison – Apprentice Software Developer, Titania