A SCHEME to encourage construction firms to take on an apprentice has been extended.

ConstructionSkills will pay £1,000 to employers who take on an apprentice who has lost their previous job because of the recession.

It launched its apprenticeship matching service last year to help employers retain their apprentices or, when this was not possible, match displaced apprentices with employers in the area.

The service offers a broad range of support services to help businesses retain their apprentices through the downturn, including mentoring for apprentices, advice for employers about other available support and help with paperwork.

The £1,000 grant scheme has been extended to cover all displaced construction apprentices. Previously, only apprentices in the last year of their training qualified.

Gillian Cain, apprenticeship manager for ConstructionSkills North West, said: “Apprentices add significant value to a business and its bottom line, through their determination, hard work, enthusiasm and loyalty.

“The apprenticeship matching service team has already found new placements for over a third of apprentices that have been laid off and there are more we can help, but we really do need the support of employers.”

THE Daily Post is campaigning to create 500 new apprenticeships on Merseyside through its Skills for the Future campaign.

If you would like more information about how an apprenticeship might benefit your business, visit our website at liverpooldailypost.co.uk/apprentice.FURTHER information is available by calling 0800 150 600.apprentice.

FURTHER information is available by calling 0800 150 600.