Scot-Govt gives £5,000 cash per head for employers to recruit redundant oil and gas apprentices

By DARA BUTTERFIELD

The Scottish Government is increasing funding so employers can now receive £5,000 to help cover the costs of taking on as Modern Apprentice  workers made redundant in the oil and gas sector.

The Scottish Government is giving additional support to Skills Development Scotland (SDS) enhance its existing Adopt an Apprentice initiative so that any employer in the public or private sector can apply for the funding as long as they take on an as an apprentice people who have been made redundant – for at least 12 months.

An SDS spokesman: “While current circumstances in the oil and gas sector are challenging we need to remember that this is a highly skilled industry and it is vital that we retain that knowledge and talent.

“As well as supporting experienced workers, we must help the sector’s apprentices by enabling them to continue their training. The enhanced Adopt an Apprentice incentive will allow more employers to take on an apprentice, nurture their talent and help them to continue on their career path.”

This initiative is available to any employer taking on a redundant apprentice from the oil and gas sector in line with the following criteria:

•       the apprentice has been made redundant within the oil and gas sector
•       the apprentice is employed for at least 12 months
•       £5,000 is awarded in a one off, lump sum
•       the offer includes apprentices from the wider supply chain, covering Modern Apprenticeship frameworks in engineering and engineering construction
•       any employer in the public or private sector is eligible to apply

The Adopt an Apprentice initiative also applies to other sectors and job types where a maximum of amount of £2,000 is awarded.