Knowsley businesses can take advantage of a £5,000 funding opportunity designed to support the recruitment of new apprentices and help develop the borough’s future workforce.
The Knowsley Apprentice Grant provides employers with £500 per month for the first 10 months of an apprenticeship, helping to reduce employment costs while creating valuable opportunities for local people to gain skills and experience.
Employers must recruit through The Knowsley Apprentice Team to access the funding.
Helping Employers Invest in Future Talent
The scheme has been introduced to support businesses looking to grow their workforce and address skills shortages through apprenticeship recruitment.
To be eligible for the grant, employers must:
- Recruit an apprentice through The Knowsley Apprentice Team.
- Pay at least the relevant National Minimum Wage for the apprentice’s age.
- Advertise and recruit through the Knowsley Apprentice programme.
- Commit to the full duration of the apprenticeship and cover all associated employment costs.
- Offer an employment contract of at least 30 hours per week, including study time.
- Ensure apprentices complete a minimum of 20% off-the-job training.
- Work with an allocated mentor who will regularly review the apprentice’s progress alongside their supervisor.
The grant does not affect any existing government apprenticeship grants or incentives and cannot be used in addition to other funding streams. Employers should also note that National Insurance contributions remain payable where applicable.
Cost Savings for Employers
The financial support can significantly reduce the cost of employing an apprentice. Based on a 35-hour working week and apprenticeship wage rates from April 2026 to March 2027, estimated annual costs are as follows:
Apprentices Aged 16–17
- Annual wage cost: £14,560
- Less grant funding: £5,000
- Employer cost after grant: £9,560
Apprentices Aged 18–20
- Annual wage cost: £19,747
- Less grant funding: £5,000
- Employer cost after grant: £14,747
Apprentices Aged 21 and Over (National Living Wage)
- Annual wage cost: £23,132.20
- Less grant funding: £5,000
- Employer cost after grant: £18,132.20
Find Out More
Businesses interested in recruiting an apprentice or learning more about the grant can contact The Knowsley Apprenticeship Team:
Email: theknowsleyapprentice@knowsley.gov.uk
Mike: 07919 298535
Lyndsey: 07824 372205
The Knowsley Apprentice Grant provides employers with an opportunity to invest in future talent, strengthen workforce skills, and support local economic growth while benefiting from valuable financial assistance.