A SCHEME that helps Richmondshire businesses employ apprentices has received another £30,000 funding from district councillors.

Members of the authority’s Corporate Board this week gave the green light to the cash award which will mean more small businesses can access help – and they can also use the grant to train apprentices to a higher level.

Council leader Angie Dale said: “We want to encourage economic growth while at the same time develop home grown talent and retain young, ambitious people who would otherwise have to leave the area to find skilled work.

“Our apprenticeship scheme has already seen 26 people secure places and with the extra £30,000 we can help many more, which is a key part of our Covid recovery plan.”

She said apprentices have been employed in everything from hairdressing, carpentry, sales and hospitality to digital marketing and vehicle repairs.