Employing an Apprentice

Apprenticeships are funded through employer contributions, government support, and the Apprenticeship Levy. In most cases, employers face little or no training costs, just standard wages.

• Non-levy employers may receive up to 95% government funding depending on apprentice age and eligibility.
• From August 2026, co-investment rates are changing and some employers may need to contribute up to 25% of training costs.
• Employers hiring apprentices aged 16–24 may be eligible for a new £2,000 incentive payment from October 2026.
• Levy-paying employers can use their levy funds to cover training costs, but unused funds will expire after 12 months from August 2026.
• Government funding grants up to £1,000 for eligible apprentices.
• CITB funding for construction employers: up to £6,000 per apprentice.
• Levy transfers can still fund 100% of training for eligible non-levy employers.
• National Insurance relief for under-25 apprentices can save employers over £3,000 per year.

We understand that navigating apprenticeship funding can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Whether you’re uncertain about eligibility, costs, or available support, reach out to us for assistance or read more about your funding options here.

All employers who have an annual pay bill of more than £3 million, or are connected to any company or charities that have a combined annual bill of £3 million,  a year have to pay the Apprenticeship Levy at a rate of 0.5% of an employers annual pay bill.

For further information on the Apprenticeship Levy please visit the gov.uk website or contact us.

Hiring an apprentice is a cost-effective way of  expanding your workforce or increasing the knowledge of your current workforce. The main costs are:

• Wages (which you pay)
• Training costs

If you’re a Levy payer, the training costs is covered through your levy account.

If you’re a non-levy employer, government funding may cover up to 95% of training costs. From August 2026, employer contributions may increase depending on funding eligibility and levy status.

You may also be eligible for other incentive payments, or levy transfers to help further reduce costs – check out our guide on apprenticeship funding, national insurance relief and incentives for more information or contact our team.

Yes, as the employer, you are responsible for paying your apprentice’s wage. The rate at which you pay them would be:

• Aged 16- 18: The current National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice is £8.00 per hour.
• Aged 19 or over in their first year: The current National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice is £8.00 per hour.
• 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.

We will help you every step of the way, including working with you to create a clear, engaging and accurate job description tailored to your business and the apprenticeship standard.

We can help you advertise your vacancy for free through the national Find an Apprenticeship service, our website, and local networks. We will handle the enquiries, applications and interviews to ensure we find the right candidate for the role.

Apprentices typically work at least 30 hours per week, which includes their off-the-job training. Most work between 30 – 40 hours per week, depending on the needs of your business and the apprenticeship programme.

An apprentice would need to spend 20% of their normal working hours training with us. This may happen every week, every month or in a separate block of time. We work with you to discuss the best way training can be delivered to suit your business needs.