EMPLOYERS are being encouraged to recruit for an apprentice through a new grant scheme which aims to further establish the North-East as an innovative region for apprenticeship growth.

Apprenticeship Support for Employers (ASE) is provided by Tees Valley Combined Authority and offers opportunities for employers in key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, chemical and process, and digital and creative, to grow and develop their workforce.

It is designed to assist employers committed to creating a new apprenticeship or progressing an existing apprentice onto a higher level.

Several companies have already taken advantage of the support, welcoming new apprentices to their teams over the past couple of months.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Now more than ever we need more of the skills that local businesses are crying out for - we are committed to increasing routes to great careers but we recognise employers need support.

"We are launching this funding scheme to address shortage by specifically targeting the sectors of our economy which have the highest growth potential.

“Tees Valley has a strong track record of encouraging apprenticeships and I want to build on this success."

The £1.3million scheme has been created following the previous Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (AGE), devolved to the Combined Authority in 2016, which approved applications to support more than 1,000 apprentices.

These key sectors have been identified include advanced manufacturing, process, chemicals and energy, logistics, health and biologics, digital and creative, culture and leisure and business and professional services.

For more information on how to apply for a grant, visit teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/ase