Employers considering taking on an apprentice could benefit from up to £5,000 in combined government incentives under new measures coming into effect from 1 October 2026.
The support includes a new £2,000 apprenticeship hiring payment for eligible non-levy-paying employers recruiting a new apprentice aged 16 to 24.
Further support may be available through the Youth Jobs Grant, which offers employers up to £3,000 when recruiting an eligible 18 to 24-year-old who has been unemployed and claiming Universal Credit for six months or more.
There is also an existing £1,000 payment available to employers taking on apprentices aged 16 to 18, as well as eligible 19 to 24-year-olds with an Education, Health and Care plan or who have been in care.
Alongside the incentive payments, eligible employers can also benefit from government support towards apprenticeship training costs, while qualifying apprentices under the age of 25 can provide National Insurance savings for employers.
For businesses across the construction equipment sector, the measures provide an opportunity to bring new people into engineering and technical roles while reducing some of the initial costs of recruitment and training.
Viki Bell, CEA, said: “Skills remain one of the biggest challenges facing the construction equipment sector, so anything that makes it easier for employers to bring young people into the industry is welcome.
“Apprenticeships give businesses the opportunity to develop the engineering and technical skills they need, while giving young people a clear route into rewarding careers. With additional financial support becoming available from October, this is a good time for employers to look again at what an apprenticeship could offer their business.”
Make UK is currently welcoming its September apprentice intake at the Aston Technology Hub in Birmingham, with its final intake for the academic year starting in November.
Its apprenticeship programmes support employers looking to develop skills across a range of areas, including engineering, digital and data, technical disciplines, leadership and professional services.
CEA (Construction Equipment Association) members considering apprentice recruitment are encouraged to check their eligibility and explore the funding available.
For further information on Make UK apprenticeships, contact Michelle Jackson, Business Development Manager, Apprentice & Skills, Make UK, at MJackson@makeuk.org or 07386 652121.