A TRAINING group has introduced a new service to help small engineering businesses access new apprenticeship funding from the Tees Valley Combined Authority.

The Apprenticeship Grant for Employers scheme provides up to £3,500 for small businesses to employ 16 to 24 year-olds. It could create up to 700 apprenticeships across the area.

To help businesses access funding, the TTE Technical Training Group has assigned a dedicated group of advisors from its apprenticeship team to support applications, ensure firms meet the eligibility criteria and liaise with the combined authority.

It will also help source potential apprentices for companies operating in engineering, manufacturing, welding, warehousing and process sectors.

TTE has 300 young people a year join its Middlesbrough centre to gain practical skills, competencies and vocational qualifications through its industry-standard training facilities.

After two years they can start an employee-sponsored apprenticeship where they join their sponsor’s workforce to gain on the job experience.

Steve Grant, TTE managing director, said: "This scheme is designed for businesses that would usually not be in a position to employ an apprentice or who have not considered it as an option before.

"Tees Valley Combined Authority should be praised for being one of only five in the country to secure this devolved funding. I hope small firms across the area take up this opportunity to invest in their workforces of the future."

Contact TTE’s apprenticeship team on 01642 770338.