Independent retailers recruit apprentices

Independent retailers will be given financial

incentives and more training to help them recruit apprentices.
 
Employment services Skillsmart Retail and the National Skills Academy for Retail are to launch The Retail Apprenticeship Training Agency (RATA) this autumn after receiving support from government agency the National Apprenticeship Service.
 
Small-to-medium sized employers who take on 16-24 year old apprentices as part of a structured on-the-job learning programme, will receive grants of £1,500.
Anne Seaman, CEO of Skillsmart Retail said: “The key to this programme is to get local young people into jobs in their local shops. We know there is a strong interest but independent retailers have been put off in the past by the apparent complexity of setting up, or taking on, an apprentice. RATA is being developed to overcome this, designed especially for small retail businesses. We’re delighted to be able to offer a service which is affordable and hassle-free.”

RATA will select the young people eligible for the apprenticeship scheme and will be responsible for their training and care.