The sector skills grant for apprentices is to rise by 拢1,400 under proposals from training body CITB-ConstructionSkills.

In the year starting 1 August, payment for achieving NVQ level 2 will rise from 拢350 to 拢500; for NVQ Level 3 it will rise from 拢450 to 拢700; and grants for successful completion of the Apprentice Framework and Advanced Apprentice Framework, it will rise by 拢500 each, to 拢1,750 and 拢2,250 respectively. Over three years, this is a 17.5% increase, from 拢8,000 to 拢9,400.

Grants for undergraduates doing planned work experience, paid straight to the company, will rise from 拢100 a day to 拢185, and lump-sum payments from 拢5,000 to 拢8,750. The daily rate under a training plan will rise 25% from 拢20 to 拢25 per day. Along with the 25% extra for paying the levy on time, companies can now receive 拢31.25 a day for filing a training plan.

The news came as figures showed that 59% of construction employers said cost was the biggest barrier to training their workforce. Although 65% said it was the responsibility of the company to train staff, only 45% said they were prepared to invest in it.

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