Apprenticeship Wage Information

Before deciding to embark upon an apprenticeship, it’s important to note how wages for apprentices work. Are apprenticeships paid? And how much do apprenticeships pay? Find out all you need to know about apprenticeship wage here.

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What is the average apprenticeship wage?

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 £4.30 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 £4.30.

Aged 19 or over and have completed their first year

Wages for apprentices change for those who are 19 and have been studying their apprenticeship for over a year. Once you have completed your first year, your pay will switch over to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for your age group.

What is the apprenticeship minimum wage?

For those aged 16-18 in the UK,  the apprentice wage they are legally entitled to is £4.30 per hour by law. This rate applies to anyone aged under 18, or those over 18 and in their first year of apprenticeship, and must be followed by employers at all times.

It’s also worth noting that many employers offer higher wages than the minimum requirements due to their own internal policies regarding pay scales and living wages so it’s definitely worth looking into before accepting an apprenticeship role.

Who gets the apprentice rate?

The apprentice rate of pay is a wage that employers can pay to young workers who are still in training. It is the apprenticeship salary for younger workers.

Getting a pay rise as an apprentice

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.

Apprentices and redundancy

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.

Apprenticeship wage 2022

Modern apprenticeship wages are occasionally reviewed, and the year 2022 marks a significant milestone for apprenticeship wages. Starting in April of 2022, the National minimum wage for apprentices will rise to £4.81 per hour. This is a significant increase from the current rate of £4.30 per hour and it’s hoped that this raise will go some way towards encouraging more people to take on an apprenticeship role in their chosen field.

Apprenticeship wage 2023

The next increase in the minimum wage offered to apprentices will happen in April 2023, with the hourly rate for apprentices 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.

Average apprentice salary UK

Working 30 hours per week at the UK apprentice minimum wage of £5.28, an apprentice can expect to earn £8,236.80 per year. Of course, some employers will pay above the national minimum wage for apprentices.

Do you get taxed on apprenticeship wages?

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 £12,500 per year. Apprentices also must pay Class 1 national insurance contributions if earning over the primary threshold.

FAQs

Do apprentices get paid for college days?

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

Do apprentices get holiday/sick pay?

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.

Do apprenticeships affect child/housing benefits?

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.

Can you claim Universal Credit on an apprenticeship?

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.

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