Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes designed around the needs of employers, which lead to nationally recognised qualifications. Apprenticeships are available to employers of all sizes and from all sectors and cover a wide range of occupations; they are a proven way to train your workforce and make your organisation more productive and competitive. 
Apprenticeship grants
Manchester City Council have been awarded a budget to work with Manchester Small and Medium Enterprises (SME's) to increase the number of apprenticeship opportunities created across the City and where appropriate a grant of £3,000 can be awarded to assist with some of the associated costs of creating a new apprenticeship opportunity.
Manchester City Council are keen to work with Manchester SME’s to support their growth and to enable residents to obtain skills and attributes that employers require. The City Council also look to support employer investment in their current and future workforce by supporting apprenticeships.
To qualify for the grant you must:
• Be a Manchester based employer or business
• Be a SME who doesn’t pay apprenticeship levy
• Create a new apprenticeship opportunity within your organisation
• Not have had an apprentice in your organisation in the last two years
• Pay the national minimum wage (age appropriate)
For further information and to apply, visit: www.manchester.gov.uk/info/827/growing_and_maintaining_a_business/4895/apprenticeships_meeting_the_skills_needs_of_your_business