Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council has funding to support employers in recruiting a new Apprentice. Newly recruited Apprentices must be a Knowsley resident and recruited via the Knowsley Apprentice team for an employer to access the Knowsley Apprenticeship grant.
Please see details below:
- The grant is £4,500 per apprentice paid at £500 per month for the first 9 months.
- Employer must pay National Minimum Wage for age (see breakdown attached) not government apprentice rate.
- Employer must advertise and recruit via the Knowsley Apprentice team.
- Employer must commit to the length of the apprenticeship standard to be discussed with the college/training provider and cover any costs.
- Employment contract must be a minimum of 30 hours per week including study day which includes 20% off the job training.
- You will be allocated a Mentor who will require regular access to the apprentice and their supervisor to monitor progress to help sustain employment. Apprentice reviews usually take place every 4/6 weeks.
Please see example calculations below depending on the number of hours the apprentice works which must be a minimum of 30 hours per week including 20% study time:
April 2026 – March 2027 -All calculations are based on 35 hours per week
Based on a 35‑hour week
| Age Group | Annual Wage Cost | Total After £4,500 Grant |
|---|---|---|
| 16–17 | £14,560 | £10,060 |
| 18–20 | £19,747 | £15,247 |
| 21+ (National Living Wage) | £23,132.20 | £18,632.20 |
These figures illustrate how the grant can significantly reduce first‑year wage costs across different age groups.
Ongoing Support
Participating employers receive continued guidance from a dedicated Mentor, helping to monitor progress and support the apprentice’s development throughout the apprenticeship.
Contact the Knowsley Apprentice Team
For queries or to begin the recruitment process, employers can contact:
- Email: theknowsleyapprentice@knowsley.gov.uk
- Mike: 07919 298535
- Lyndsey: 07824 372205