Dealers with less than 1,000 employees can still access a £1,500 incentive to take on an apprentice following the extension of a Government scheme.

Each dealer can claim the grant for up to 10 apprentices.

The Government has confirmed that the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers of 16-24 year olds (AGE 16-24) has been extended to March 2014.

Initially only on offer during the 2012/13 financial year, the funding has been extended following a positive response from employers. It has also been increased, so eligible employers can claim the grant for up to ten apprentices.

Vince Cable, Business Secretary, said: “I know it can be a big decision for busy, small companies to take on an apprentice.

“Employers may be concerned about the time recruitment and training will take, and anxious about how it will work. So the £1,500 grant is a token to acknowledge this and thank employers. I hope many more people will take us up on our cash incentive to grow their business, and train up the workforce of the future.”

The announcement times with the start of a new nationwide radio advertising campaign to encourage more employers to take on an apprentice and to highlight the availability of the AGE grant.

To find out more about Apprenticeships and AGE 16 -24 and to try the ‘Return on Investment Tool’ or to search for a vacancy, head to apprenticeships.org.uk.