A COLLEGE in Dorchester is calling for local businesses to help "kickstart the economy" by hiring its students as trainees or apprentices.

Kingston Maurward College has urged local businesses to hire youngsters in these roles through the coronavirus crisis as a way of helping to rebuild the economy.

Dee Vickers, head of apprenticeships at the college, said there are various government schemes to help get businesses back on track.

She said: "The College is keen to work with local businesses who are interested in kickstart the economy and build their own business.

"Employers who hire new apprentices will be eligible for a payment of £2,000 for each new apprentice under 25 or £1,500 if the apprentice is 25 or over. Eligible apprentices must be hired between 1st August 2020 and 31st January 2021. These incentive payments are in addition to existing payments already made by the Government.

"The Government is providing an additional £111m this year for traineeships. The traineeship can now last from six weeks to 12 months and employers who provide trainees with work experience will be given an incentive of £1,000 per trainee, up to a maximum of ten trainees. They have also improved eligibility to a traineeship so that individuals that already hold a Level 3 qualification can apply. The employer does not need to pay the trainee a wage."

If you are interested in hiring a trainee or apprentice please contact dee.vickers@kmc.ac.uk