North Cork Fine Gael Councillor John Paul O’Shea has urged employers in North Cork to take on apprentices and avail of new financial supports to do so.
Over 2,500 people have been registered as an apprentice so far this year – higher than the same period in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Businesses who take on apprentices are now entitled to a €2,000 payment - €1,000 in June and a further €1,000 at the end of the year. In addition, employers who take on an underrepresented gender are entitled to an additional €2,666.
Cllr. O’Shea said:
“The grant, introduced by Minister Simon Harris in Budget 2022, is vital to helping business – small, medium or indeed self-employed persons – to cover the costs of apprentices’ salaries, mentoring and training costs. I strongly encourage employers in the North Cork area to avail of this grant and take on an apprentice. Fine Gael is prioritising the creation of jobs and apprenticeships right around the county. We want to give young people options, and increasing local employment also helps to revitalise the communities in towns and villages across North Cork”.
The grant will be paid in arrears in 2 payments annually, with €1,000 payable mid-year and a further €1,000 at year-end. For 2-year apprenticeships, employers are eligible to claim up to €4000 over the period. For 3-year apprenticeships employers are eligible for up to €6,000 and up to €8,000 on a 4-year apprenticeship.
