Businesses in Laois have been urged to avail of the extended Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme.
Due to success of the initiative this year, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris, has announced that the scheme will be extended until mid 2021.
To date, 19 Laois businesses have availed of the programme and Laois TD Charlie Flanagan is calling for more to do likewise.
He said: “To date, 637 businesses have applied for the scheme with 34 in the Laois/Offaly constituency.
“The scheme ensures businesses who take on an apprentice are hired at €2,000 per apprentice and another €1,000 if the apprentice is still on the books for a year.
“This is a good model. It allows a person to earn and learn and allows businesses to train recruits and receive payment for it.
“The Government is developing a new Action Plan for Apprenticeship, but the scheme has offered a lifeline to many businesses seeking to take on apprentices and security for the apprentice.
“SOLAS have also moved to simplify employer access to apprenticeship through a relaunched website where employers can find information on participating in apprenticeship or, indeed, discover how to kick-off the development of new apprenticeship programmes.
“2020 has been an incredibly difficult year for businesses and people with us all having to adapt to new ways of working.
“We will also roll out a new climate action upskilling scheme through Skillnet Ireland. Skillnet programmes are industry led.
“Courses will be designed by industry, for industry and will give businesses the skills to adapt to a sustainable, low carbon economy.”
Further details can be found on www.gov.ie<http://www.gov.ie.
