Julian Knight, Conservative parliamentary candidate for Solihull is calling on small businesses in the Borough to take part in the new 'Birmingham City deal' and claim cash awards for taking on apprenticeships.
The Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership is seeking to make employers aware of the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (AGE), available for eligible businesses who take on a young apprentice.
Grants are worth £1,500 for employers who take on an apprentice. 3,650 grants are ring fenced for small businesses and medium sized firms to claim.
As yet only 1,500 employers have claimed their grant meaning that potentially Solihull businesses could be missing out on £3.2m in total grants.
"Getting our young people into work and supporting small businesses are crucial to Solihull's continued economic success.”
"I am urging small and medium sized businesses who have not claimed these grants to do so now and, if they can afford it, get an apprentice through their door."
Julian has recently written to local businesses urging them to take on apprenticeships and has been operating a short term work experience programme at his offices in Manor Road.