Trafford Council is enabling smaller employers to grow by giving them a financial boost to develop new talent through the #SEEDIFFERENT SME (Small to Medium Enterprise) Apprenticeship Support Offer, funded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. The scheme offers a £3,000 grant to employers to help with salary and training costs associated with an apprenticeship and is aimed at SME businesses who have not previously recruited an apprentice for the last two years. One of the key aims for Trafford Council is to attract older people to Apprenticeships as a way to being a new career, as well as younger people just starting out. Businesses receive help with training and recruitment, support with workforce planning and advice on creating quality opportunities for apprentices of all ages through the SEDA Project.

Among those to benefit from the scheme is The Doggy House in Altrincham, where owner Nat Taylor, recently took on 18-year-old Amy Loftus to complete a Level 2 apprenticeship in animal welfare. Nat explained: “It’s been a good opportunity both for growing a valuable team member and allowing the business to develop. With the grant you can stage the introduction of a new employee. It’s an opportunity to create and guide the right person for the job.” Amy said: “I am learning so much and being hands on. It feels like I’m part of the family and makes coming to work fun.”

The £3,000 grant is paid directly to the business and is available to eligible businesses until March 2020. To find out more visit: www.theapprenticeshiphub.co.uk/sme-apprenticeship-support