ALMOST £2 million is to be invested into a Solent-wide fund to get more apprentices working in the region.

The cash, with the majority being invested by the Department for Work and Pensions’ European Social Fund (ESF), will provide funding for a specialist Apprenticeship Hub.

Southampton City Council is set to officially accept the £960,000 ESF grant at its Cabinet meeting on October 16. It will also confirm investing £290,000 of its own cash towards the scheme.

Other organisations, such as Portsmouth City Council (£140,000), Hampshire County Council (£170,000), Hampshire Chamber of Commerce (£160,000), Southampton Solent University (£120,000), and University of Portsmouth (£60,000), will make up the rest of the money, to total a combined £1.91 million in the pot.

The city authority, which is the lead body for the project, says that the new hub will act as a single point of contact for apprenticeship enquires from across the Solent region, aiming to support 1,620 residents in accessing qualifications.

It will also work with schools, colleges, young people, and employees who want to learn more skills.

The hub will provide information, advice, guidance, and support through the various application routes.

The decision paper noted: “The grant is intended to add value to local provision and develop new opportunities to meet employers’ needs.

“The focus of activity is on small and medium enterprises, and particularly on the growth sectors prioritised by the Solent LEP, which includes marine and maritime, digital technologies, financial and business services, logistics, life sciences, aerospace and advanced manufacturing.”

If approved, it is not known when the hub will be set up, although council documents indicate it will be next year.