Scheme to encourage apprenticeships extended to 2021

Over 90 employers from Cavan and Monaghan are set to benefit from today's announcement of an extension of the Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme (AIS) until the end of December 2021.

The Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme provides financial support for employers who register apprentices to a national apprenticeship programmes.

Cavan had 33 approvals while Monaghan had almost double that figure with 60 employers approved for the scheme.

Employers who are approved by SOLAS to employ apprentices are eligible for a €3,000 payment for each new apprentice registered. €2,000 per apprentice is paid to eligible employers following the registration of apprentices with a further €1,000 is payable in Year 2 for each apprentice retained on their apprenticeship.

Minsiters Simon Harris and Niall Collins today announced the AIS would continue until the end of 2021, a move welcomed by their cabinet colleague Minister Heather Humphreys.

"I’d like to welcome the extension of the Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme for employers.

“I know there are ambitious targets for apprenticeships in Ireland and we need to ensure local employers are supported in taking on new apprentices.

“This particular scheme has supported many employers in both Cavan and Monaghan in introducing new apprentices into their respective industries.”