Payments of £500 are on offer to anyone starting an apprenticeship or training course as part of a new incentive scheme.
The 'golden hello' has been introduced by Malvern Hills District Council to encourage the take up of apprenticeships and trainee programmes, which help many people take their first steps in the world of work or embark on new careers.
This incentive forms part of the Malvern Hills and Wychavon Upskilling Project, which has been given £283,000 from the UK Government's UK Community Renewal Fund.
New apprentices or trainees of any age are eligible to receive the one-off £500 payment if they meet the criteria.
To qualify, they must live or work in the Malvern Hills area, earn less than £15,000 a year, complete the first three months of their courses and claim the payment themselves.
Support payments of up to £1,000 are also available to help apprentices and trainees cover the cost of travel, equipment, clothing and other associated expenses.
Applications for this scheme must be made by 31 March 2022. Other funding schemes to help with training costs will still be available after this date.
Cllr Daniel Walton, Executive Board Member for Economic Development and Tourism on Malvern Hills District Council, said: "We value our apprentices and trainees, so we are pleased to be helping them develop new skills and qualifications that could make a real difference to their lives."
Cllr Marc Bayliss, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Economy and Skills at Worcestershire County Council, said: "The Community Renewal fund is a fantastic opportunity to make a real positive impact through funding imaginative new programmes that will boost productivity and grow local economies."
Apply for the 'golden hello' payment, and find more details, including full terms and conditions.
Notes:
The Malvern Hills and Wychavon Upskilling Project has received £283,050 from the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund.
The UK Community Renewal Fund is a UK Government programme for 2021/22. This aims to support people and communities most in need across the UK to pilot programmes and new approaches to prepare for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It invests in skills, community and place, local business, and supporting people into employment.
Find out more information on the UK Community Renewal Fund.
