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Employer Apprenticeship Incentives

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Funding incentives available for employers to recruit apprentices through South Devon College

Whether you want to upskill existing staff or bring in new talent, apprenticeships offer a cost-effective solution. Current funding incentives make it an ideal time to invest in skills and workforce development.

Current incentives include:

  • £1,000 for hiring an eligible (16–18 year old apprentice)
  • £2,000 Foundation Apprenticeship Incentive (aged 16-21)
  • £2,000 new SME Hiring Incentive (from October 2026)
  • 0% employer National Insurance on apprentice wages (aged under 25)

Our dedicated Business Development, Talent & Skills team is here to help you get started, access funding and find the right apprentice for your business. We handle the claims process on your behalf wherever we can, so the funding reaches you with minimum admin.

Ready. Skilled. Funded. is our commitment to helping you access the right people, the right training and the right funding to grow your business.

Read more about the incentives and enquire below…


Why invest in Apprenticeships?

Develop future
talent pipelines

Address skills
shortages

Increase staff
retention and
productivity

Upskill existing
employees

Support business
growth

Access funded
training

Current Employer Incentives Include

IncentiveEligibility CriteriaHow and When It’s Paid
£1,000

Additional payment
for hiring eligible
apprentices
Aged 16-18

(or 19-24 with an EHCP
or care leaver status)
Paid in two equal instalments:
• Day 90
• One year after apprenticeship started (or Day 242 if apprenticeship is under 12 months) Paid in three equal instalment
£2,000

Foundation Apprenticeship Incentive
Aged 16-21

(or 22-24 for apprentices
with an EHCP, care leavers,
or prisoners)
Paid in three equal instalments:

• Day 90
• Day 242 (8 months)
• When apprentice progresses onto
their next apprenticeship
£2000

SME Hiring Incentive
Aged 16-24

Starts from 1st October 2026
Employed for no more than
90 days prior to start date
Paid in two equal instalments:
• Day 90
• Day 365 (or 242 if apprenticeship is
under 12 months)
0%

Employer National Insurance
Aged Under 25

Earning below the upper
earnings limit, a straight
forward saving on wages
It’s a government-backed incentive
that reduces employment costs from
day one, while supporting skills
development in your business

Make an enquiry

[ Don't miss out! ]
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