FINE Gael TD Joe Carey has urged Clare employers to take on apprentices and avail of new financial supports to do so.
More than 2,500 people have been registered as apprentices so far this year – higher than the same period in the past three years.
Businesses who take on apprentices are now entitled to a €2,000 payment – €1,000 in June and a further €1,000 at the end of the year. In addition, employers who take on an under-represented gender are entitled to an additional €2,666.
“The grant, introduced in Budget 2022, is vital to helping businesses and self-employed people to cover the costs of apprentices’ salaries, mentoring and training costs,” Deputy Carey explained.
“I strongly encourage Clare employers to avail of this grant and take on an apprentice. Fine Gael is prioritising the creation of jobs and apprenticeships right around the county. We want to give young people options, and increasing local employment also helps to revitalise the communities in towns and villages across the county.
“Apprenticeships are now available in many industries right across in Ireland providing a pipeline of talent for businesses.
“This grant is going to encourage small businesses, who are the backbone of our economy in Ireland, to take on apprentices.”
The grant will be paid in arrears in 2 payments annually, with €1,000 payable mid-year and a further €1,000 at year-end. For two-year apprenticeships, employers are eligible to claim up to €4000 over the period.
For three-year apprenticeships employers are eligible for up to €6,000 and up to €8,000 on a 4-year apprenticeship.
The portal to apply for the grant is now open at www.apprenticeship.ie
