WIGAN Council has given employers and wannabe apprentices an early Christmas present.

It has pledged to help any employer in the borough take on an apprentice in the lead up to Christmas.

Ending on December 23, the advent offer is part of the council’s £1.5 million Business Apprenticeship Programme.

It enables employers to access a grant of up to £5,000 to help towards the recruitment of an apprentice.

With the £1.5 million close to running out, the council has created the festive offer as the last chance employers have to secure a grant before the funding ends.

One grant will be allocated each day from December 1 to 23, based on a first come, first served basis.

Already the programme has helped more than 300 businesses recruit an apprentice in the past two years.

More than 15,000 people have started apprenticeships in the borough over the past seven years.

Apprentices can be employed and trained in a wide range of skills and sectors, including business administration, IT, manufacturing, mechanics, child care and beauty.

Cllr David Molyneux, the council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: “Our business apprenticeship programme is unique in Greater Manchester and has already helped transform the lives of many young people who have accessed new skills and good quality employment through this route.

“I would encourage businesses in the borough to get in touch and access the support that is available before it runs out.

“Apprentices can bring so much to businesses and are proven to help improve productivity as well as give employers an opportunity to develop the skills that their business will need in the future.”

Businesses wishing to apply should visit wigan.gov.uk/apprenticeships for further details and an application form.