A MAJOR new grant scheme has been launched in the hope of helping young people establish a career where they live.

Ryedale District Council has established a £150,000 fund to encourage local businesses and organsiations to take on apprentices.

The move comes just weeks after the authority announced it was to create eight new apprentice posts within its own ranks.

The idea behind the fund is that local companies can bid to claw back most of the costs of taking on an apprentice for the next two years.

In a competitive process, they can bid for up to £5,000 of support a year for each apprentice – and they can apply for funding for up to a maximum of five apprentices.

In addition, £30,000 of the funding is being made available to training providers in Ryedale to help them buy new equipment – but only on the basis that it delivers training for an increased number of apprentices.

Council leader Linda Cowling said: “It is vital that Ryedale’s young people are given every opportunity to improve their skills and experience, and to move forward with a career in the local area.

“These can be challenging times for both younger people and businesses. We want to do all we can to help employers to take on apprentices and help them build a successful career – while benefiting our local companies.

“Ultimately, a more skilled workforce, with younger people coming into businesses, will help the Ryedale economy.”

Application forms and further details are available from the authority’s business liaison manager Louise Lunn on 01653-600666 ext 336 or email louise.lunn@ryedale.gov.uk .

Bids will be assessed on the basis of the number of apprenticeships to be provided and their length and nature, together with the extent and quality of associated training , qualifications or experience to be undertaken, as well as the pay and conditions of the employment.

Additional weighting will be given to those businesses that have never had an apprentice previously or those that can take on additional apprentices through the scheme.