The Government is very committed to the expansion of the apprenticeship scheme as it is seen as an important training programme to deliver future skills for business. However, whilst the cost of apprenticeship training is free to employers, if they employ an apprentice aged 16-18, there is a requirement for an employer contribution for all other age groups. Capel Manor College recognise that this is difficult for small and medium sized businesses, especially in the current economic climate but it is exactly these smaller companies that would benefit from the training offered by the apprenticeship programme.  In a continued effort to support our employers and respond to their needs the college has reduced the employer contribution for these age groups by £500.  Employer contributions for all apprenticeship programmes are now as follows:

16-18:   FREE
19-24:   £1300
25+:     £1500

All leaflets will be amended in due course.  We hope that this considerable reduction will enable more employers to become involved with the apprenticeship programme.