PEOPLE in Malvern starting an apprenticeship or training course can get payments of £500 as part of a new incentive scheme.
The ‘golden hello’ has been introduced by Malvern Hills District Council to encourage the take up of apprenticeships and trainee programmes, which help many people take their first steps in the world of work or embark on new careers.
This project forms part of the Malvern Hills and Wychavon Upskilling Project, which has been given £283,000 from the Government’s UK Community Renewal Fund.
New apprentices or trainees of any age are eligible to receive the one-off £500 payment if they meet the criteria.
To qualify, they must live or work in the Malvern Hills area, earn less than £15,000 a year, complete the first three months of their courses and claim the payment themselves.
Support payments of up to £1,000 are also available to help apprentices and trainees cover the cost of travel, equipment, clothing and other associated expenses.
Applications for the scheme must be made by March 31.
Other funding schemes to help with training costs will still be available after this date.
Coun Daniel Walton, Malvern Hills District Council’s Executive Board Member for Economic Development and Tourism, said: “We value our apprentices and trainees, so we are pleased to be helping them develop new skills and qualifications that could make a real difference to their lives.”
Coun Marc Bayliss, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Economy and Skills, said: “The Community Renewal fund is a fantastic opportunity to make a real positive impact through funding imaginative new programmes that will boost productivity and grow local economies.”
Visit malvernhills.gov.uk/skills to apply for the payment and find more details, including full terms and conditions.
