THURROCK Council is making cash available to help local small businesses take on apprentices.

The funding can be used by Thurrock employers to recruit new apprentices or to upskill their existing workforce.

Cllr Deb Huelin, Cabinet Member for Central Services and Communities, said: "If you are a local business who could use the levy to recruit a new apprentice or offer a fantastic leaning opportunity to existing employees, please do get in touch with the council.

"As an employer, the council pays the apprenticeship levy and Government rules allow us to transfer up to 25% of our levy funds to support other Thurrock employers to help improve the skills and knowledge of the wider local workforce."

In order to apply for the funding the business must: be registered on the apprenticeship service, have set-up an agreement with the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) as part of registering for the apprenticeship service and be based in Thurrock.

For more information and to find out how to apply click on the red information button below.