Grants and incentives
The most generous package of youth hiring incentives in over a decade is live right now. Here's every scheme a Sussex Tech Talent Champion can access, and what they stack up to.
| Scheme | What you get | Who qualifies | From | Your next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Jobs Grant | £3,000 cash, paid direct to you | Any employer; hire aged 18 to 24, on Universal Credit 6+ months | Live now | Check eligibility and apply directly on GOV.UK |
| Jobs Guarantee | Full wage subsidy, 25 hrs/wk for 6 months, NI and pension covered | Hire aged 18 to 24, on Universal Credit 18+ months | National rollout autumn 2026 | Register interest with your local Jobcentre Plus |
| SME Apprenticeship Hiring Incentive | £2,000 per apprentice | Non-levy SMEs; apprentice aged 16 to 24 | October 2026 | Read the apprenticeship hiring payment guidance on GOV.UK |
| Apprenticeship training | 100% funded training | Non-levy SMEs; apprentice aged 16 to 24 | August 2026 | Check funding guidance and arrange training with your provider |
| Young Apprentice Payment | £1,000 per apprentice | Apprentice aged 16 to 18 (or 19 to 24 with EHCP or care leaver) | Live now | Check payment eligibility with your training provider |
| Employer NIC exemption | Zero employer NI | Under-21s, and apprentices under 25, earning below £50,270 | Ongoing | Check employer National Insurance rates and categories |
| Care Leaver Bursary | £3,000 bursary | Care leaver under 25 starting an apprenticeship | Live now | Check bursary guidance and contact the training provider |
| SWAP | Fully funded pre-employment training + guaranteed interview | Any employer, via Jobcentre Plus partnership | Live now | Contact your local Jobcentre Plus about a SWAP partnership |
Worked example: converting a placement into an apprenticeship
Your placement investment (8 weeks, 25 hrs/wk)~ £3,100
SME Apprenticeship Hiring Incentive+ £2,000
Apprenticeship training costs£0 (100% funded)
Employer NI in year one (apprentice under 25)£0 (~£3,000 saved)
Net position, year oneBetter than cost-neutral