Basingstoke and Deane Apprenticeship Business Fund

The Basingstoke and Deane Apprenticeship Business Fund (the Fund) aims to support any micro business or small to medium sized enterprise (SME) to access local talent through an apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships are a combination of work and off-the-job training and are a great way for employers to take on and upskill new staff. They provide a powerful alternative recruitment approach, supporting business growth and helping to diversify the company’s workforce.

Eligible businesses can apply for grants of £5,000 per apprentice to support with the costs of recruiting and retaining a new apprentice. Businesses can apply for funding for up to three new apprenticeships.

The Fund provides funding to eligible businesses to cover the costs of recruiting and retaining a new apprentice including job-specific equipment, uniforms, and recruitment costs.

Eligible businesses will need to demonstrate the business need for the apprenticeship and how recruiting a new apprentice will support business growth.

The Apprenticeship Business Fund is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, visit the GOV.UK website.