Solent Freeport, in partnership with the Solent Growth Partnership through the Solent Business Growth Service, has launched a new £50,000 Apprenticeship Incentive Programme designed to help small and medium-sized businesses across the Solent region recruit apprentice for the first time, while supporting young people who have previously been not in education, employment or training (NEET).

The programme offers financial incentives of up to £2,000 per apprentice to eligible employers, alongside tailored business support, helping to reduce the recruitment barriers, strengthen local skills pipelines and support inclusive economic growth across the Solent. 

The incentive fund will support:

• 10 Foundation Apprenticeships, with £2,000 available per apprenticeship; 
• 20 General Apprenticeship Standards, with £1,500 available per apprenticeship.

Funding is available on a first-come, first-serve basis, subject to availability.

The initiative focuses on four priority growth sectors critical to the Solent economy:

• Business Services Engineer
• Engineering & Manufacturing
• Software & Data
• Hardware, Network and Infrastructure

Further details, including full terms and conditions and application guidance, are available via the Solent Business Growth Service, here.