Plumbing and heating companies in Scotland are being urged by SNIPEF (the Scotland and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation) to take up the opportunities offered by the Scottish Government’s new Apprentice Employer Grant (AEG). The grant, worth up to £5000, is being rolled out to help alleviate the severe impact of the economic decline caused by Covid-19 on individuals and the consequences this has had on unemployment and employment opportunities.

The AEG offers employers a contribution of:

  • £5000 for each eligible apprentice who is in the 16-24 age group;
  • £5000 for each eligible apprentice who is aged 25-29 and is disabled, care experienced or Black Minority Ethnic (BME);

or

  • £3,500 for each eligible apprentice who is aged 25 plus.

The funding is being managed by Skills Development Scotland using its network of contracted providers. It will be available to apprentices taken on since 1st December last year and applications are being accepted up until 25th March.

Dale Thomson, training manager for SNIPEF, comments: “This has been a very difficult year for everyone involved in the construction sector. Many firms have been badly hit and people have lost their jobs. AEG funding will aid the recovery and encourage employers to maintain and enhance their workforces. It will give hope to individuals who have been made redundant over the pandemic.”

Interested employers can contact SNIPEF Training Services, the Managing Agent for the plumbing apprenticeship in Scotland, on 0131 524 1245 or at training@snipef.org