Applications are closing 12 November 2021.
About
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Charitable Trust Fund has re-launched the SMMT Apprentice Support Programme, designed to help safeguard the jobs of apprentices currently working within the automotive industry. The scheme comes following the conclusion of the government-funded furlough scheme.
The SMMT Apprentice Support Programme earmarks £100,000 to cover all or part of the salaries of apprentices currently employed by small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) within the UK automotive industry, but whose positions are at risk of redundancy due to Covid-19 related business pressures.
To ensure the sector’s commitment to safeguarding these jobs, the scheme requires small and medium-sized SMMT member companies applying to stipulate a contribution towards the full £14,000 apprentice salary, as business needs permit, in order to unlock a stipend as made available by the SCTF.
Criteria
The application process will ask for the employer to make a case for the funding – to include:
- How much they are requesting
- Personal Details of the Apprentice
- Details of the apprenticeship
- What will the apprentice add to the long-term success of the business?
- What are the apprentice’s prospects and career path?
- Company details
- How many apprentices the company employs
- A personal statement from the apprentice
Company declaration – the employer must show evidence that they require funding support and must sign a declaration to say that they meet the following criteria:
- That without this funding, they may have been forced to discontinue the apprenticeship
- That this money will be used solely to pay an employee’s salary
- That they will continue to employ the apprentice for the full period and are able to provide them with the exposure/experience to complete the apprenticeship successfully
- That they will notify the SCTF immediately if the apprentice leaves their employment
- That they will notify the SCTF immediately if the apprentice fails to complete their apprenticeship
Ongoing assessment and final feedback
- The Member company would be expected to provide a quarterly update and renewed declaration of the need for the grant before the next installment is made.
- A final report and feedback to the scheme would be required for the final payment.
Timings
Successful applicants will be informed after 12 November 2021.
The Programme is now accepting applications. To apply, please fill out the form here.
The deadline for submissions is 12 November 2021.
If you have any questions are your applications, please contact Kerry Boniface at the SMMT on apprenticesupport@smmt.co.uk
