Construction employers in Croydon are eligible to receive a £1,000 incentive for taking on an apprentice left unemployed because of the recession.

The scheme, which was originally launched by ConstructionSkills(CS) in early 2009, has been extended to cover apprentices who have completed college induction training, a period of site training or registered their framework with an approved body.

Previously, only employers who had taken on an apprentice in the last 12 months of their training were eligible for the money.

Paul Newitt, new business manager for apprenticeships at CS, said: “We understand that employers are having a tough time at the moment and that taking on new staff might not be seen as a plausible option financially.

“However, I must stress that apprentices add significant value to a business and its bottom line, through their determination, hard work, enthusiasm and loyalty.

“This is especially the case for displaced apprentices as they have already received some learning and will possess a certain degree of on-site competency already.”

“The money is there and we want employers to access it. Taking on an apprentice could be the best investment they make in 2010.”

More than a third of building apprentices laid-off in Croydon because of the recession have already found new placements thanks to CS, the UK Skills Council for construction.

The CS Apprenticeship Matching Service offers a broad range of support services to help businesses retain their apprentices through the downturn, including mentoring for apprentices, advice for employers about other available support, and help with paperwork.

Simon Waugh, chief executive of the National Apprenticeship Service added: “We know that the construction industry in Croydon has been hit hard in this recession, which is why we are offering this £1,000 incentive to employers who can take on an apprentice.

“There is now a wealth of evidence to show that employing apprentices are good for business, and I would encourage all employers out there to consider taking this up.”

More information about the scheme is available at cskills.org