11th December 2025
If you’ve been on the fence about taking on an apprentice in your business, then here is your sign to make that leap!
We’ve launched our 1,000 Futures campaign, which is an ambitious initiative to create 1,000 new apprenticeship opportunities across Devon and Cornwall. By creating an apprenticeship vacancy, you’ll not only be inspiring and supporting the next generation in your specialist industry, but you’ll be investing in the future of your own business too.
By taking on an apprentice, you can train employees to become the perfect fit for your company – teaching them the skills, techniques and approaches that you value. In doing so, you’ll build loyalty and dedication within your workforce, with employees who are invested in the future of your business.
In the Autumn Budget, the Government announced that training costs for apprentices under the age of 25 will be fully funded for SMEs (small and medium enterprises) from 2026. This funding will apply when enrolling both current and new employees to become apprentices.
Take part in our 1,000 Futures Careers Fair, which brings employers, organisations and career services together with potential new apprentices. This event is an opportunity for you to network, showcase your business, inspire the next generation, and meeting a wide range of talented people.
Book your stand at our Careers Fair >>
It can cost anywhere between £600 and £3,000 to hire the right person for a role, not to mention the time and effort required to advertise, screen and interview. By taking on an apprentice through Cornwall College Group, we take the hassle out of recruitment, matching you with talented and motivated candidates.
We’ve created a new Business Partnership & Growth Team to help employers like you to identify workforce and development needs, whether that’s upskilling existing employees, or taking on new talent. We’ll help you find flexible solutions tailored to your business and where you want to go in the future.
If your apprentice is under the age of 25, you won’t need to pay national insurance contributions, which could save you thousands of pounds per apprentice.
CITB (the Construction Industry Training Board) offers grants of up to £11,000 for apprenticeships that focus on core construction skills. These grants have been designed to meet the demand for skills across the industry, and prevent skills gaps.
By taking on apprentices, you’ll be able to build your reputation as a business that invests in training and development, and the future of its employees. Hiring apprentices shows how much you value your workforce, and the diverse outlooks and experiences they bring.
If you hire an apprentice between the age of 16 and 18, you’ll be able to claim £1,000 to support your apprentice in the workplace. This can be used towards anything from salary to uniform, materials, and travel costs.
By welcoming in an apprentice to your team, they’ll bring a fresh ideas and perspectives, along with cutting-edge skills and techniques learnt while studying at college. Our apprenticeships are led by industry experts, using the best-quality materials and latest approaches, ensuring that your apprentice will bring extra value to your business.
If you’re ready to start the process of taking on an apprentice, then talk to one of the team today on 0330 123 4785 or email apprenticeships@cornwall.ac.uk
Alternatively, you can find out more information here: Employing an Apprentice – Cornwall College
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