New incentive payment of €3,000 for employers taking on apprentices

The Minister for Higher Education, Simon Harris, has launched a scheme whereby employers will receive €3,000 for taking on apprentices in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The scheme comes as the government plans to increase the number of apprentices in all sectors, describing it as a ‘win-win’ situation for both employers and apprentices.

Simon Harris said “Over 18,000 people are currently undertaking an apprenticeship across a wide range of occupations from electrical, construction and engineering roles to healthcare, information technology and financial services. Our ambition is to see that number grow and the Government provided funding for this new incentive for employers in the July stimulus package,” 

“It is a really exciting option for people of different ages, genders and backgrounds, career changers and school leavers, to forge brilliant careers for themselves.”

Employers will be able to avail of the incentive payment for each new apprentice registered between March and the end of this year. The employers will receive €2,000 upfront per apprentice and a further €1,000 after 12 months if the apprentice is still employed.

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