What is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a real job with training which allows you to earn while you learn and gain a nationally recognised qualification. Apprenticeships take between one and five years to complete depending on occupation and level taken.
As an apprentice, you’ll:
- work alongside experienced staff
- gain job-specific skills
- earn a wage and get holiday pay
Apprenticeship Wages
As an Apprentice, you must be paid for your normal working hours (minimum 30 hours) and also for your training that is a part of your apprenticeship (usually 1 day per week).
- From April 2020, the National Apprenticeship wage will rise from £3.90 to £4.15 per hour. Apprentices are entitled to this rate if they are:
Aged under 19
Aged 19 or over and are in the first year of their Apprenticeship. - For all other Apprentices, the National Minimum Wage appropriate to their age applies.
- The wage for Apprentices applies to both time spent on the job plus time spent training.
These figures are just a guide as the Employer may pay more.
As of 2020:
Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they’re either:
- aged under 19
- aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship
Example
An apprentice aged 22 in the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £4.15
Apprentices are entitled to the minimum wage for their age if they are both:
- aged 19 or over
- have completed the first year of their apprenticeship
Example
An apprentice aged 22 who has completed the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £8.20
The following rates are the previous year’s Minimum wage, for information purposes: