Lancashire County Council: £300,000 funding for apprentices

The county council's Young Apprenticeship Grant scheme, launched in 2022, has already helped 126 young people start their careers.

The scheme provides incentives for small and medium-sized enterprises to either recruit new apprentices or upskill existing young staff members.

As of now, the scheme has benefitted 94 organisations across Lancashire, covering sectors such as aerospace, hair and beauty, catering, hospitality, manufacturing, digital and technology, and green skills.

At a recent event, the county council announced further funding to support more apprenticeships.

The apprenticeships have covered sectors ranging from aerospace to hair and beauty (Image: Supplied)

County Councillor Jayne Rear, cabinet member for education and skills, said: "We are committed to encouraging small-to-medium enterprises across Lancashire to invest in their early career pipeline through engagement with apprenticeships.

"We are delighted that 94 businesses have so far engaged with us to build their talent pipeline by offering opportunities to younger employees."

One of the companies that has benefitted is Euxton-based Isentra, a manufacturer of CO2 commercial and industrial refrigeration and heat pump plant machinery.

The firm took on two apprentices with the help of the scheme.

Stephen Allen, operations director for Isentra, said: "With the support that’s been offered by Lancashire County Council, we wanted to give it a go.

"It’s really important for us to have young people coming into our industry, especially as our sector continues to grow with the net zero agenda."

The funding initiative is open to any Lancashire business with less than 250 employees, a turnover below £50 million, and no apprentices recruited within the past two years.