North Cork Fine Gael Councillor John Paul O’Shea has urged employers in North Cork to take on apprentices and avail of new financial supports to do so.
Over 2,500 people have been registered as an apprentice so far this year – higher than the same period in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Businesses who take on apprentices are now entitled to a €2,000 payment – €1,000 in June and a further €1,000 at the end of the year. In addition, employers who take on an underrepresented gender are entitled to an additional €2,666.
Cllr. O’Shea said: “The grant, introduced by Minister Simon Harris in Budget 2022, is vital to helping business – small, medium or indeed self-employed persons – to cover the costs of apprentices’ salaries, mentoring and training costs. I strongly encourage employers in the North Cork area to avail of this grant and take on an apprentice. Fine Gael is prioritising the creation of jobs and apprenticeships right around the county. We want to give young people options, and increasing local employment also helps to revitalise the communities in towns and villages across North Cork”.
“Apprenticeships are now available in many industries right across in Ireland, from tech to biopharma, to engineering, manufacturing, hospitality and many more, providing a pipeline of talent for businesses. This grant is going to really encourage small businesses, who are the backbone of our economy in Ireland, to take on apprentices.”
Minister for Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science, Simon Harris said: “Employers are key to us reaching our apprenticeship targets. We have introduced a new support – a grant of €2,000 for every apprentice taken on. The portal to apply for the grant is now open. You will receive €1,000 initially and an additional €1,000 later in the year. All you have to do is log on to www.apprenticeship.ie, apply and get your grant.”
The grant will be paid in arrears in 2 payments annually, with €1,000 payable mid-year and a further €1,000 at year-end. For 2-year apprenticeships, employers are eligible to claim up to €4000 over the period. For 3-year apprenticeships employers are eligible for up to €6,000 and up to €8,000 on a 4-year apprenticeship. Employers who believe they are eligible for the grant but who have not yet registered for Apprenticeship Online can contact info-apprenticeshipjobs@solas.ie to register.
Employers will be able to complete the user-friendly online application process in minutes, confirming their contact details, a pre-populated list of their current apprentices, their bank details and tax clearance details. It is intended that completed applications will be processed in a matter of days, with employers receiving the grant directly into their bank account.
