CBI Scotland Director Iain McMillan has welcomed the Scottish Government’s pledge to offer employers up to £2000 when they take on any apprentice.

The Employer Recruitment Incentive (ERI) is delivered by Skills Development Scotland – Scotland’s skills body – and supported by the Scottish Government. Eligibility for ERI has been broadened, it provides businesses with a cash injection when they take on a 16-19 year old as an apprentice or offer a Modern Apprenticeship to anyone 20 years or over who has been out of work for a short period.

Iain McMillan said: "This funding will encourage employers to take on trainees during a time when recruitment costs may be a challenging additional burden and it will help more of our young people to enter employment and training.

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"CBI Scotland welcomes the broadening of the ERI eligibility to allow more businesses to benefit. We would encourage employers to get involved and take on an apprentice."

Employers can find out more by calling SDS’s helpline on 0800 783 6000 or visiting www.sds.co.uk/eri

Damien Yeates, Chief Executive of Skills Development Scotland said: "Modern Apprenticeships enable employers to build a loyal and high performing workforce, and young people to earn while they gain the skills they need to develop a sustainable career.

"It’s a tough time for employers everywhere but this announcement will allow them to recruit any 16-19 year old coming out of Scottish schools and colleges and to offset the cost of their wages during the early stages of their Modern Apprenticeship employment."

He added: "Scotland’s young people make a valuable contribution to businesses and to the wider economy. Most just need to be given the chance and we hope that by extending the ERI we will encourage more employers to offer our young people that opportunity."

Minister for Youth Employment, Angela Constance said: "I want to see as many of our young people as possible develop the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to be a success in our job market and contribute towards our economy.

"This offer will help convince more companies to give a young person the chance to make their first steps onto the career ladder in 2012. It will also ensure many young people can look forward to a brighter future this year."

(GK)