Apprenticeship cash bonus scheme extended to help businesses upskill

Ignite Sport UK has hailed the government’s extension of a cash bonus that helps businesses recruit apprenticeships as “vital for the economy.”

The extension means employers are entitled to receive up to £4,000 of government money for each apprentice hired between now and January 31, 2022. The incentive payment was due to expire at the end of last month.

There are no fixed rules concerning how funds are spent, but they can be used to cover apprentice costs such as travel expenses, equipment and uniform. The incentive was confirmed in the Budget in March to help businesses invest in developing a skilled workforce for the future while supporting young people to source employment.

Speaking at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said he will do “whatever it takes” to help the UK bounce back and apprenticeships will play an important role in the recovery.

“The job is not done yet, and I want to make sure our economy is fit for the future and that means providing the support and skills people need to get into work,” said Mr Sunak. “We believe in the power of opportunity, and we are going to make sure no person in our country is left without it.”

Oxford-based Ignite Sport UK welcomed the Government’s extension to its incentive payments scheme.

CEO Justin Merritt said: “This is great news for the British economy and will help businesses create opportunity and skilled jobs for people.

“Apprenticeships provide people of all ages with a platform to develop their job specific skillsets, source employment and establish strong contacts within their sector. We are pleased the government understands the value of apprenticeships to developing a skilled workforce.

“Apprenticeships not only help people gain valuable experience in a real working environment, but also support them in developing key skills, knowledge and behaviours.

“This can be used to advance into a full-time career or further their education at university. I would encourage all businesses looking to invest in developing a skilled workforce to explore the opportunities apprenticeships deliver.”

Based at Oxford City FC Ignite Sport UK is a registered training provider specialising in the provision of sports-based apprenticeships across the UK. They provide businesses with a range of apprenticeships suitable for developing peoples’ skills in roles both on and off the sports pitch.

Apprenticeships are delivered from Level 2 intermediate to Level 5 degree.

Every apprenticeship in the UK must, by law, dedicate at least 20% of the apprentice’s working hours to training. Training can be delivered internally, externally or online either by the employer, a college or a training provider.

Our highly experienced and qualified team of tutors provide a fully managed apprentice training service through the learner journey for both the employer and the apprentice.

We also help source apprentices and can assist with levy claims and employer incentives while delivering on-the-job training, relevant qualifications, feedback via meetings and an online learning platform.

See additional information about our sports-based apprenticeships which cover teaching, coach ing, marketing and content production.

To chat to one of our team about how you can use the government incentive money please get in touch .