Working out the pay of an apprentice can appear to be a complicated affair on the surface but it doesn’t have to be.

Below we’ve broken down the different rates of pay for each age bracket that an apprentice may fall into as well as clearly explained some of the conditions that are attached to this.  
 
For the full breadth of information, please refer to the Government’s website.

What Are Employers Responsible For? 

Employers are responsible for: 

• Providing their apprentice with their official contract of employment 
• Paying their apprentice’s correct wage 
• Signing an official apprenticeship agreement 

Pay For Apprentices

Employers must pay at least the National Minimum Wage. 
 
The age of each apprentice and what year of their apprenticeship that they’ve completed are both contributing factors to the varying rates of pay that each individual will receive.  
 
The contract of employment should make clear the wage that you will receive. 

Aged 16 – 18

The current National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice is £8 per hour; which is applicable for those aged 16-18. 

Aged 19 or over and in their first year

The current National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice is £8 per hour for those aged 19 or over and in their first year. 

Aged 19 or over and have completed their first year 

Apprentices will be entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate for their age.

You can utilise the National Minimum Wage and Living Wage calculator to check if you are being paid correctly.

Conditions

A few caveats do apply, for example apprentices must work towards an approved apprenticeship and their training must last at least 8 months in duration. 

They must also be employed in a real-world job that provides them with the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills that they need in order to pass their assessment.