Hartlepool electronics firm which makes products for F1 racing cars wins apprentices funding

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen visited Merlin Flex on Prospect Way to tell staff they had been successful in an application to the mayor’s new Emergency Apprenticeship Grant.

Last month, Mayor Houchen announced he was providing almost £1 million to create and fund the wages of more than 100 apprentices to encourage businesses to take on more 16 to 20-year-olds as part of their coronavirus response.

Merlin Flex is a leading global supplier of cutting-edge, flexible circuit boards whose creations have been used in the steering wheel of Sebastian Vettel’s Formula One car when he won the World Championship, as well as in Eurofighter pilot helmets and the Pepper robot which can recognise human emotions.

Mayor Houchen, who has previously praised Merlin Flex’s dedication to apprenticeships, said: “It was brilliant to once again visit this fantastic Hartlepool business to reveal they had been successful in securing funding for a new apprentice through my Emergency Apprenticeship Scheme, which means they can offer work to more of our fantastic young people.

“People are blown away when I tell them that part of Sebastian Vettel’s Formula One World Championship winning car was made right here in the Tees Valley. They are fantastic local businesses giving jobs to local people.

“As we recover from the coronavirus pandemic, we need to make sure our young people in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool are not disadvantaged – they are the workers of the future.”

Mayor Houchen is urging more businesses to apply to the fund which will pay 100% of apprentices’ wages in their first six months and 50% for the remainder up to a maximum of two years.

He added: “Unfortunately, many businesses are now reluctant to commit to offering apprenticeships to young people because of the uncertainty they are currently experiencing, but we still have cash available so I am urging businesses across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool to get in touch and we can give them the help and support they need.”

Businesses looking to register an interest can do so at www.teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/skills-employment/skills/apprenticeships

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