Wages for apprentices depend on the type of apprenticeship program you’re in. Different programs offer different salary ranges, with some offering wages as high as £18,000 a year. It’s important to do your research and find out what type of wage you can expect before signing up for an apprenticeship program. Additionally, many employers may provide additional benefits such as health insurance or paid vacation time which can further increase your earnings potential over time. 

• Aged 16 to 18 

The hourly rate for apprentices aged 16-18 is currently £5.28 per hour. This is the minimum amount employers must pay their apprentices by law; however, many employers choose to pay above this rate. 

• Aged 19 or over and in their first year 

Apprentices over 19 and in the first year of their apprenticeship are entitled to the minimum wage for apprentices, which is £5.28. 

• Aged 19 or over and have completed their first year 

Once you have completed your first year, your pay will switch over to the National Minimum Wage (https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates) for your age group. 

The next increase in the minimum wage offered to apprentices will happen in April 2023, with the rate increasing from £4.81 to £5.28 per hour. This is in line with a recommendation from the Low Pay Commission and equates to a 9.7% rise. 

Apprentices are entitled to the same workplace benefits as any full-time worker. As long as you are working over 33 hours per week, you will receive at least 20 days paid holiday per year. 

Apprentices must pay income tax in the same way as everyone else. You’ll pay tax through PAYE, which will be taken straight from your pay packet. You won’t normally need to complete a Self-Assessment tax return. However, you will only pay tax if your wage exceeds £12,570 per year. Apprentices also must pay Class 1 national insurance contributions if earning over the primary threshold. 

The government’s conditions for apprenticeships detail that you must be paid for time spent studying, whether that’s at work or with the training provider. 

There is nothing stopping you from negotiating an apprenticeship pay rise. If you are a good worker who is taking on more responsibility and adding value, then you will be in a good position to ask for compensation to reflect your efforts. That being said, it’s not recommended to begin an apprenticeship on a wage you can’t afford. Even if you think you can negotiate your wage in the future, there aren’t any guarantees, and this can leave you in a bad position. 

It is unfortunately a possibility that should circumstances in your business change, you may be made redundant as an apprentice. Should this occur, the government will fund your apprenticeship training for at least 12 weeks to give you time to find alternative employment so that you can continue with your apprenticeship. However, this will not pay your wages. You may be able to finish your apprenticeship even if you don’t find a new employer, if you have less than 6 months of training to complete, or if you have completed 75% or more of your training. 

If someone begins an apprenticeship this affects any child benefit or housing benefit their parents had been receiving for them. Apprentices aren’t considered dependants so financial support from the state will stop. 

Apprentices are entitled to claim Universal Credit. To qualify, you must be on a ‘recognised apprenticeship’ and are being paid the national minimum wage rate. Have the name of your training provider and the name of the recognised qualification you are working towards to hand when you make your claim. 

The short answer to this question is yes; it is possible for apprentices to secure a mortgage. Lenders recognise the value of apprenticeships, and with some careful planning and research into what options are available, you may be able to find an affordable home loan. It’s important to remember that lenders will look at your income levels before they decide whether or not they’ll accept your application, so you may need to wait until you have been in your job long enough before beginning your mortgage application.