Building Futures grant
As of 19th December 2025, Building Futures is closed for new grant applications
Building Futures aims to increase the number of new apprenticeships in South Norfolk and Broadland through and incentive grant with training and wraparound apprenticeship support.
The package of support is designed to minimise financial barriers to offering an apprenticeship, supporting employers to upskill through completing eLearning on apprentice onboarding.
The project also has a focus on the green economy with an aim of increasing 'dark green' apprenticeships and upskilling employers with sustainable business knowledge. For more information on availability of Dark Green apprenticeships in Norfolk, visit our green apprenticeships page.
Building Futures is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, see the UK Shared Prosperity Fund prospectus.
Grant Eligibility
To be eligible for a Building Futures grant, businesses must be hiring a new apprenticeship and satisfy at least one of the following :
- The business trading address is in South Norfolk or Broadland.
- The apprentice's home postcode is in South Norfolk or Broadland.
Check a district council postcode here
Additionally, eligible employers will:
- Be a small to medium sized organisation which does not pay the apprenticeship levy (i.e. will have an annual paybill under £3m).
- Have the intention to support the individual beyond the grant period of support, through to the end of the apprenticeship.
- Apply for the grant before hiring a new apprentice.
- Have an apprentice starting on their apprenticeship training programme by 19th December 2025.
Full eligibility can be found in the project Terms & Conditions
The Building Futures 'Package of Support'
The support package elements provide practical and financial support for non-levy paying businesses with taking on a new apprentice.The support is aimed to ensure the success of the apprenticeship and the future proofing of businesses in the light of the climate change crisis.
Financial Support
Offering financial support over the first 18 weeks of the apprenticeship will reduce financial burden for the organisation at a time when the new apprentice absorbs more resources (supervision and mentoring) and is gradually building the ability to 'add value' to the organisation.
Two grant packages are available through Building Futures. Both grant packages are paid in three instalments after 6, 12 and 18 weeks of the apprentice starting on their apprenticeship training programme:
- Standard
- £2,000 for employers hiring onto any apprenticeships that are not 'dark green'
- 6 weeks - £500
- 12 weeks - £500
- 18 weeks - £1,000
- £2,000 for employers hiring onto any apprenticeships that are not 'dark green'
- Enhanced
- £5,000 for employers hiring onto 'dark green' apprenticeships
- 6 weeks - £500
- 12 weeks - £2,000
- 18 weeks - £2,500
- £5,000 for employers hiring onto 'dark green' apprenticeships
Practical Support
Practical support includes individualised information and guidance from Apprenticeships Norfolk where needed. This can include:
- A skills analysis to identify the best fit apprenticeship for your organisation.
- Advice and guidance on selecting an apprenticeship training provider.
- Support with apprenticeship vacancy promotion.
- Creation of an apprenticeship cost forecast.
Development opportunities are provided to grant recipients through two mandatory eLearning modules to access the 12 and 18 week payments. The training at 12 weeks covers apprentice on boarding and mentoring for staff charged with supporting new recruits, with the 18 week providing an introduction to sustainability awareness for businesses. These training modules are designed to be completed by the apprentice's manager or mentor.
Training modules are self-led eLearning modules hosted online for employers to complete at a time that suits them best.
For more information on the Building Futures project and to discuss your application, please email us at [email protected] or complete our online contact form.
