EMPLOYERS are being offered a cash bonus as an incentive to take on apprentices this year.Any company that ensures a 16-18-year-old apprentice completes his or her apprenticeship within the agreed timescale will receive a �500 bonus from Great Yarmouth College.

EMPLOYERS are being offered a cash bonus as an incentive to take on apprentices this year.

Any company that ensures a 16-18-year-old apprentice completes his or her apprenticeship within the agreed timescale will receive a �500 bonus from Great Yarmouth College.

Val Thacker, sector leader for employer services in the service industry, said the college was particularly keen on attracting new employers to offer business administration apprenticeships.

Employers are also sought in catering, hospitality, warehousing and distribution, customer services and a wider range of industries.

“We are offering the bonus from our funding as an incentive for companies to invest in apprentices. We are prepared to relinquish some of our funding to encourage companies to work with us.”

The government is pushing apprenticeships heavily but, while large companies are on board with the message, smaller companies are finding it hard to afford apprentices, Mrs Thacker said.

“We feel we have to do something to help employers. The benefits they get from apprentices are large - homegrown staff trained to a high standard in the exact skills an employer needs, plugging the any gaps in skills. Having a young apprentice around also often encourages existing staff to take more of a role.”

The average apprenticeship takes two years but the duration varies with the industry. Business Administration apprentices last for one year while some engineering training takes four years.

Those interested should contact Sandy Shreeve on 01493 419250 or email s.shreeve@gyc.ac.uk