This summer, thousands of young people across the Liverpool City Region will leave school, college and sixth form and begin looking for their first opportunity in the world of work. As a region, we must do what we can to create opportunities for these young people. One way is for employers to create new apprenticeship entry-level vacancies. In this way, businesses can play a big role in ensuring our young people don’t join the nation’s eye-watering figure of 1 million 16-to-24-year-olds who are currently not in work, education or training.

The Liverpool City Region is inviting employers to consider creating a vacancy for a school leaver or other young person this summer.

In fairness, there’s never been a better time to recruit an apprentice. The Government has announced a new £2,000 incentive for eligible small and medium-sized employers that recruit a new apprentice aged 16-24 and start them on an apprenticeship from 1 October 2026. So that’s good news. Remember, this is in addition to the many other sources of financial support you can access if you recruit a young apprentice: an additional £1000 grant if they are aged 16-18, no employer NI to pay, and full cost of training covered.

What is the new apprenticeship recruitment incentive?

Eligible SMEs could receive £2,000 when they recruit a new apprentice aged 16-24 and start them on an apprenticeship from 1 October 2026. 

Eligibility criteria & conditions apply so please check before recruiting.

Find out more and access the support available via the Skills Brokerage Service by CLICKING HERE or by visiting: https://lcrbemore.co.uk/employer-support-brokerage-support/#register