The apprentice minimum wage: your questions answered

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Earn while you learn, and be aware of your rights

Starting an apprenticeship is an exciting step towards building your future career, especially if you’re building it with tend. Unlike with traditional school, college, or training providers, when you’re tend-trained, you’ll gain valuable workplace experience, earn recognised qualifications, receive personalised learning, and, unlike many other forms of education, you’ll be paid while you earn.

However, one question almost every new apprentice asks is:

“How much should I be getting paid?”

Apprentice minimum wages can seem confusing at first. Different rules apply depending on your age, and how long you’ve been on your apprenticeship. Many learners wonder whether they’re paid for their Off-The-Job training too.

The good news is, the rules are straightforward once you know how they work. Join tend now as we take a closer look at the apprentice minimum wage in more detail.

What is an apprenticeship minimum wage?

The Apprentice National Minimum Wage is the minimum hourly rate that employers must legally pay eligible apprentices.

As of 01 April 2026, the UK Apprentice National Minimum Wage is £8.00 per hour. This is the legal minimum based on current rates (the minimum wage for apprentices changes annually on 01 April). Many employers choose to pay significantly more in order to attract and retain talented apprentices.

Who can be paid this apprentice rate?

Not every apprentice is paid the Apprentice Minimum Wage throughout their programme. It depends on the apprentice’s age. The apprentice rate applies if you are:

• Under the age of 19, regardless of which year of your apprenticeship you’re in.
• Aged 19 or over and in the first year of your apprenticeship.

This is often referred to as the under-19/first-year rule, and it’s one of the most important things for apprentices to understand.

What happens after the first year?

Rates change depending on age. Once you’ve completed the first 12 months of your apprenticeship, and you’re aged 19 or over, you become entitled to the National Minimum Wage for your age group, rather that the apprentice rate.

For example:

• If you’re 20 years old and have completed your first year, you’ll move onto the National Minimum Wage rate for 18-20-year-olds.
• If you’re 21 or over, you’ll be entitled to the National Living Wage rates for your age.

This means many apprentices receive a pay increase part-way through their programme.

What if my apprenticeship lasts more than one year?

Many apprenticeships last between 18 months and 4 years. If you’re under 19, you can remain on the apprentice rate for the duration of your apprenticeship until you reach your 19th birthday.

However, if you’re 19 or older, the rules change after your first year. From that point onwards, companies must pay apprentices at least the minimum wage for their age group.

Will I be paid for my Off-The-Job training?

Yes. This is something many new apprentices wonder about, but the answer is simple. All Off-the-Job training time forms part of your paid working hours.

Whether you’re:

• Attending a teaching session
• Completing online learning
• Shadowing an experienced colleague
• Carrying out workplace research
• Working on a project
• Taking part in workshops
• Meeting with your Development Coach

– you should receive your normal pay while completing these activities.

Off-The-Job training isn’t unpaid study. It’s working time. It’s an essential part of your apprenticeship, forming part of your contracted, normal working hours.

What are employers legally required to do?

Signed contracts must be in place at the start of apprenticeships. As part of the apprenticeship agreement, employers have several legal responsibilities when employing apprentices.

These include:

• Paying at least the correct National Minimum Wage rate
• Paying apprentices for all contracted working hours, including Off-The-Job training
• Providing sufficient time to complete apprenticeship learning
• Following employment law, including holiday entitlement, rest breaks, and workplace rights
• Supporting apprentices to complete their apprenticeship successfully

This doesn’t differ for different employers. No employer is exempt from paying statutory minimum wage, regardless of the size of the organisation. In fact, employers can be penalised for underpaying apprentices up to £20,000.

Do employers ever pay more?

Absolutely. The apprentice minimum wage is a minimum, not a recommended salary.

Many employers choose to pay above the legal minimum because it helps the attract talented applicants and retain skilled employees so that they don’t defect to providers and organisations with whom they’re in competition. In fact, it’s common to find apprenticeship vacancies offering salaries well above the minimum wage, particularly in sectors experiencing skills shortages like healthcare and adult care, or where apprentices take on significant responsibilities.

It’s always worth checking individual vacancies, as pay can vary depending on:

• The employer
• The sector
• Your location
• The apprenticeship standard and level you’re studying at
• Your previous experience and qualifications

 These will all influence your level of remuneration.

What could I earn on a 2-year apprenticeship?

As an apprenticeship example, let’s say you’re 20 years of age when you begin your 2-year programme:

First year

During the first year, your employer can legally pay the Apprentice National Minimum Wage of £8.00 per hour.

If you work 37.5 hours per week, that’s approximately:

• £300.00 per week
• Around £15,600 per year before tax and deductions

Second year

Once you’ve completed the first year, you’re entitled to the National Minimum Wage for your age. Using today’s rates, a 20-year-old would move onto the age-related National Minimum Wage, increasing hourly pay considerably.

Of course, many employers choose to pay above these minimums, meaning your actual earnings could be significantly higher throughout your apprenticeship. Apprentices aged 19 or over earn at least £10.85 per hour in the second year.

Why do apprentices have a different minimum wage?

Apprenticeships are different from traditional jobs because they’re designed to combine employment with structured learning.

Employers invest significant resources and time spent training apprentices, providing mentoring, coaching, supervision, and dedicated learning opportunities for each year of their apprenticeship and throughout the programme. The apprentice wage reflects this investment while ensuring learners are paid as they gain valuable skills and experience.

By the time apprentices complete their programme, many have developed industry-recognised qualifications, practical workplace experience, and the confidence to progress into high-paying roles.

Your rights as an apprentice

As an apprentice, you’re an employee. That means you’re entitled to many of the same employment rights as other members of staff in your business, including:

• Paid annual leave
• Rest breaks
• A written employment contract
• Protection from discrimination
• A safe working environment
• Statutory sick pay (where eligible)
• The correct minimum rate of pay

If you’re ever unsure whether you’re being paid correctly, speak to your employer or Development Coach for advice. They’re there to support you and help you understand and confirm your rights.

As an apprentice with tend, you’ll also enjoy free Association of Apprentices membership. The AoA offers a wealth of resources that will help you understand pay rates and much more in deeper detail. There is also further guidance on the UK government website.

Building your future with tend

Apprentices are hard workers. Balancing a job with study is a great achievement. At tend, we believe apprentices should feel confident about every aspect of their apprenticeship, including understanding how they’re paid.

Our Development Coaches are here to support you throughout your journey, helping you develop new skills, grow your confidence, and achieve your career goals.

Whether you’re just beginning your apprenticeship or preparing for your next career move, we’re here to help you succeed every step of the way.

Because when you’re tend-trained, you’re not just earning a wage. You’re raising the standard of your sector while building your future.

Ready to begin your learning journey? Reach out to the tend Team today. Call 01753 596 004 or hit the button below to visit our Contact page.