We are encouraging businesses, and residents, to find out more about the training grants which are currently on offer.
Earlier this year we launched an Additional Restrictions Grant Employment Programme for small Medway businesses which had been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The programme pays grants to eligible businesses who apply for up to five, pre-existing employment and skills schemes including apprenticeships, supported internships, supported employment and kickstart retention. The programme will assist employers in discovering and providing employment to great candidates and provide much-needed employment for local people.
To be eligible to apply, businesses must be based in Medway, have fewer than 250 employees, and be employing a Medway resident over the age of 16. For more information, and to apply, visit: medway.gov.uk/skillsgrants.
We have also announced a new grant to help businesses fund training courses. Businesses can apply for funding from three categories:
- To help recruit new staff, training them to a level which helps them fill vacancies;
- to help retain staff, providing employees with the necessary skills and development opportunities;
- to upskill staff, providing them with the necessary skills to grow and provide your business with greater expertise.
Businesses are encouraged to register their interest by emailing skills@medway.gov.uk.
We have also teamed up with Chatham Jobcentre Plus to help support more residents into work or training.
We are encouraging businesses to sign up to the government’s Jobcentre Plus Kickstart Scheme which aims to help young people aged 16 to 24 into employment.
Through the scheme the government is encouraging employers to offer work experience placements to young people for 25 hours a week for six months. In return, businesses will receive a £1,500 up-front payment as well as wages and national insurance contributions for the young person for six months.
More than 100 businesses and organisations in Medway have already signed up to be part of the scheme, offering more than 500 young people placements.
The deadline to apply for the scheme is midday on Friday, 17 December. To apply, register on the government’s website. If businesses would like help applying, they can email: kent.kickstartteam@dwp.gov.uk.
A range of opportunities
Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett, said: “We understand the difficulties businesses across Medway have faced in the last 18 months and I am pleased that we are offering a range of opportunities and training grants to help them grow their workforces. Medway’s businesses are resilient and these grants will help them bounceback stronger than before, whilst providing training opportunities for residents. I would encourage local businesses to find out more about the wide range of support on offer by visiting our website.”
Find out more about the skills grants available.