A JOBS programme that pays local employers to hire apprentices has helped 70 people into work.

Inverclyde Council’s apprenticeship wage subsidy programme is bearing fruit with almost 50 businesses supported to create dozens of roles.

The scheme - available to companies who hire an Inverclyde resident into a formal apprenticeship - has been so successful that it has now been extended until the end of the year.

Under the scheme, the council pays half of the wage up to a maximum of £10,000 and, if required, can also arrange recruitment and HR support.

Almost 45 employers have already benefited from a wage subsidy with 70 local people being employed across a wide range of sectors, including hospitality, manufacturing, vehicle maintenance, information technology, dentistry, hairdressing and construction.

The council also provides apprenticeships and graduate work experience placements within its own organisation and was recently supported by Riverside Inverclyde (RI).

The local authority is about to welcome its own new recruits with 40 apprentices due to start work soon.

Among those to have benefited is Molly Doherty, from Greenock, who is working at the local authority as an assistant procurement officer.

Having graduated in 2020 just as the pandemic hit, council worker Molly was worried that opportunities to advance her career would be limited but she was delighted when she secured a place on the 18-month graduate programme.

Molly said: “I expected to be looking a lot further afield for appropriate graduate schemes, so being able to apply for one locally was ideal.

“The training I have received so far has been really good, I am really happy being part of a friendly and welcoming team."

The financial contribution from RI has allowed the council to increase the number of young people able to come through its employment programmes and supported people into a variety of roles, including an electrician, early years support assistant, highways maintenance officer and school technician.

Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s environment and regeneration convener, said: “It is encouraging to see so many employers in the position of being able to increase their workforce by offering apprenticeships.

“Many of those employed to date had been supported through the Inverclyde employability pipeline, which ensured they were motivated, job ready and eager to start and sustain their employment.

“We are hoping that businesses will continue to look to expand and recruit their workforce through the use of apprenticeships.”

Gavin McDonagh, chairman of RI, said: “The Riverside Inverclyde Board were delighted to be able to help fund the council’s excellent employment programmes, providing local residents with good quality training and extended work experience.

“It is our hope that the £400k in support of young people looking to gain experience and qualifications will positively impact their lives.”

Among the organisations to have benefited so far this year is River Clyde Homes and its repair and maintenance division Homefix Scotland with 10 apprentices taken over the summer.

Derek Ferguson, managing director of Home Fix Scotland, said: “As a company with local headquarters, we are pleased to be able to offer apprenticeships this year to seven local residents across several trades including electrician, plasterers, joiners and a plumber.

“With the financial support from the council, we were able to increase the number of roles we had available."

The wage subsidy programme also supports employers in the private and third sectors with Morton in the Community taking advantage and creating a marketing assistant apprenticeship, which is now filled by Lewis McEwan.

Brian McLaughlin, chief executive of Morton in the Community, said: "Lewis will help us achieve our goals and we are grateful for the support we have received from Inverclyde Council, which allows us to provide opportunities for local people to achieve their chosen career aspirations.”

New recruit Lewis added: “This has not just given me a great job but the chance to work towards achieving my first qualification in marketing.”

*For more information about Inverclyde Council’s apprenticeship wage subsidy programme, visit www.inverclyde.gov.uk/wage-subsidy