Find training and employment schemes for your business
A range of government programmes, are available for employers who are considering hiring employees, offering work experience or upskilling existing staff, some of which offer financial incentives.
Paid employment for over 16s, combining work and study in a job allowing you to develop your workforce and business.
Cost
Apprentice minimum wage and 5% training contribution depending on business size
Benefits
You develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce with knowledge of your business
Time
Minimum of 12 months employment
Offering a T Level placement gives you early access to the brightest young people entering the market and the opportunity to develop your workforce of the future.
Cost
Free government scheme but you may have your own business costs
Benefits
Allows you to grow your workforce in the short-term with little or no cost and scout future talent in your area
Time
Short term 45-day industry placement
Up to 6-week placement for benefit claimants for those aged 18 and over designed to help you recruit a workforce with the right skills to sustain and grow your business.
Cost
Free government scheme but you may have your own business costs
Benefits
Helps you recruit or train staff through fully-funded pre-employment training
Time
Up to 6-weeks
Flexible training courses for aged 19 and over to fast-track specialist skill development, for existing or new talent for your business.
Cost
Cost is dependent on the size of your business. There is no cost to the employer if the learner is not currently employed by you
Benefits
A new starter will be trained in a specialist skill specific to your business and be highly motivated by a guaranteed interview afterwards
Time
up to 16-weeks
Free numeracy initiatives, offers and courses from pre-entry to level 2 for those aged 19 and over in your workforce.
Cost
Free government scheme led by local areas.
Benefits
Allows you to build the skills of your current or future employees with low numeracy, creating a loyal and talented workforce.
Time
Variable, depending on the type of provision. Includes hourly drop-in sessions to full courses lasting a few weeks to a few months.
A 6-week to 12 months skills development programme that includes an unpaid work placement to help 16- to 24-year-olds prepare for an apprenticeship or employment.
Cost
Free government scheme but you may have your own business costs
Benefits
Provides a stepping stone for your future apprentices or employees to gain valuable skills relevant to your business
Time
70 to 240 hours work placement
An unpaid 6 to 12-month work placement for 16 to 24-year-olds with additional needs, including Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), supported by a qualified job coach.
Cost
Free government scheme but you may have your own business costs
Benefits
Increases your confidence and ability to employ individuals with additional needs, improving and expanding your business’ recruitment prospects
Time
6 to 12-months
Help 16 to 25-year-olds who were in local authority care become independent through practical job-related support, in whatever way suits your business.
Cost
Free government scheme but you may have your own business costs related to the practical offer you make to care leavers
Benefits
Helping care-leavers to move to independent living and bring their life skills to enrich your business
Time
Length of time can vary
Employ prisoners and prison leavers aged 18 and over to help your business fill skills gaps and develop a loyal and talented workforce.
Cost
Free government scheme but you may have your own business costs
Benefits
Access a workforce that is highly motivated to grow through work
Time
Variable depending on employer and prisoner and prison leaver
Additional ways to train up existing employees through free qualifications, career advice and financial support.
Cost
Courses are fully funded for eligible adults but employees may need time to study and attend classes
Benefits
Help improve productivity, and develop a loyal and talented workforce in a rapidly changing labour market
Time
Length of time can vary