Funding to help you hire young people 💷

At today’s Rushmoor Employment & Skills Network meeting, Jack Hodgkins from the University of Portsmouth shared some new funding many local employers don’t know about yet. If you’re thinking about hiring, it’s worth a look:

✅ £2,000 for non-levy employers (most SMEs) who take on an apprentice aged 16–24, for apprenticeships starting from October 2026. It’s paid in instalments, linked to the apprentice staying with you.

✅ £1,000 extra for apprentices aged 16–18, eligible care leavers, and some apprentices with an EHCP. It can help cover equipment, uniforms, training materials and extra workplace support.

✅ Up to £3,000 through the Youth Jobs Grant for hiring a young person aged 18–24 who’s been out of work and claiming Universal Credit for 6 months or more.

On top of that, apprenticeship training for under-25s is now fully funded for non-levy employers. Some of these can be combined, so a single hire could bring in several thousand pounds. Check with your apprenticeship provider for eligibility.

One thing worth knowing: most of this funding depends on keeping the apprentice. If you’d like practical help with adjustments, line manager support, or making sure a new starter settles in well, especially if they’re neurodivergent, I’d be happy to have a chat.

📧 Emma.Beattie@unmaskedstudio.co.uk
📞 07739 189266
🌐 unmaskedstudio.co.uk