Fylde Council are embarking on a new project with AFC Fylde Community Foundation which will increase apprenticeships across the borough, made possible following approval of Fylde Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation.
AFC Fylde Community Foundation have extensive experience in providing positive employment outcomes for people between the ages of 16 and 65 and has successfully been providing support for young people who are not in employment, education, or training through the UKSPF funded Fylde Focus Programme since April.
A financial incentive is available to support businesses who are taking on an apprentice. The generous grant of £5,000 for eligible businesses will go direct to the employer to help them nurture existing or new talent and allow them to hire apprentices at any level.
This exciting new project for Fylde will enable AFC Fylde Community Foundation to continue working with local businesses and build on their existing relationships to support people into work. Mentoring and one on one support will be provided for participants and lots of information on apprenticeship routes provided to Year 11 students, helping ensure they have the right information to make informed decisions on their future.
Hiring an apprentice can have a huge, positive impact on a business. It is an effective way to grow talent and develop a motivated and qualified workforce. Other benefits of employing apprentices include:
- Expanding and upskilling the workforce,
- Improved productivity and quality of product,
- Being able to adapt training to meet the needs of your business, and many, many more….
Leader of Fylde Council, Cllr Karen Buckley, commented: “We are thrilled to introduce Fylde’s new apprenticeship project in collaboration with AFC Fylde Community Foundation. This initiative offers invaluable learning experiences while earning, creating a pathway to a successful career leaving a positive impact on our community. To local businesses in Fylde, don’t miss the chance to participate and nurture new talent with the help of a £5,000 grant. Reach out to Chris McNally at AFC Fylde Community Foundation to get involved.”
Wes Partington, Director of AFC Fylde Community Foundation, says: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Fylde Council on this programme. Building on our existing employability offer, we will not only provide information, advice and guidance to local people to gain apprenticeships but also provide support throughout. We will also work alongside local training providers and businesses to ensure suitable training courses and job roles are provided.”
If you’re a business owner based in the borough of Fylde and are interested in this programme, please get in touch with Chris McNally at AFC Fylde Community Foundation on 01772 598856 or email chris.mcnally@afcfylde.co.uk.
To read more about Fylde Council’s UKSPF programme, including the approved Investment Plan, visit the Fylde Council website.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
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