Financial support for employers offering apprenticeships is being extended to larger companies to boost the number of ‘earn while you learn’ opportunities in the Isle of Man.
Announcing the change at the Isle of Man Government Conference, Chief Minister Alfred Cannan MHK said:
'We currently have more employers than ever before offering apprenticeships, with a great deal of choice for young people. But we also recognise that some larger employers have pulled back from apprenticeships.'
He added:
'We want to change that, and we are today committing to removing the cap on apprenticeships for large employers. This will mean that any qualifying business prepared to take on an apprentice will receive support going forward'
Eligible employers can receive up to £60 per week during the period of training as a contribution towards the cost of in-work learning.
Speaking later at the conference, Daphne Caine MHK, Minister for Education, Sport said:
'The cap on incentive payments is being lifted and will be reintroduced for employers with 10 or more employees, with support backdated to April 2025.
'Apprenticeships are a vital way to build a skilled workforce and support local businesses, which is why DESC continues to fund the full cost of training and assessment for the duration of an approved apprenticeship — typically two to three years. This funding remains available to all employers, regardless of their size.'
Apprenticeships allow people to earn while they learn, gaining skills and technical knowledge across a wide range of careers. Much of the training is delivered in the workplace alongside skilled colleagues, without the need for full-time college or university courses.
The Isle of Man Government is committed to ensuring young people have the skills and opportunities they need to succeed in work and lifelong learning.
