| National Apprenticeship Week: 5 – 11 February 2024
Local businesses are being offered funding to train apprentices by West Sussex County Council. Any business based in West Sussex can apply for the funding to help upskill their current workforce or bring in new talent. The funding is possible because the county council is part of the apprenticeship levy fund scheme and as a large employer can transfer 25% of its own funding to other employers. Applications can be made at any time of the year. West Sussex County Council is raising awareness of the benefits of apprenticeships during National Apprenticeship Week (5 to 11 February). An apprenticeship is a genuine paid job with an accompanying skills development programme leading to a nationally recognised qualification. Apprentices gain the technical knowledge, practical experience and wider skills they need for their immediate job and future career. The council has invested a total of £1,240,453 of apprenticeship funding since 2017, when the apprenticeship levy was introduced to support local businesses. The funding has supported a total of 385 apprenticeships in West Sussex and £324,369 of the total amount was invested in the last financial year. This contributes to building a sustainable and prosperous economy across West Sussex, one of the priorities of the council’s Council Plan. Steve Waight, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Support Services and Economic Development said, “Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to develop the knowledge and skills of individual employees and invest in the local workforce. I’m delighted that West Sussex County Council can offer this funding to West Sussex businesses and contribute to the economic prosperity of our county. National Apprenticeship Week gives us a huge opportunity to congratulate all the apprentices completing their training this year and encourage businesses and individuals to consider the benefits of apprenticeships.” Apprenticeships are equivalent to educational levels ranging from GCSE / A level to Foundation, Graduate and Postgraduate degrees. They are open to people of any age over 16 and cover hundreds of subject areas. Businesses can find out more and apply for funding by visiting Apprenticeship levy transfers – West Sussex County Council Anyone interested in becoming an apprentice at West Sussex Council should visit the council’s website for more information and to search for current opportunities. ENDS
For further information please contact the news desk on 0330 222 8090 or email pressoffice@westsussex.gov.uk. For urgent out-of-hours enquiries please call 07767 098415. |
