Starting an apprenticeship means earning while you learn, but working out exactly what that means for your pay packet can be confusing. Rates depend on your age, how far into your apprenticeship you are, and sometimes the sector you are training in.
This guide breaks down apprentice pay in plain English, covering the legal minimums, how pay changes over time, and what to do if you think you are being underpaid.
Quick Answer
The National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices applies to anyone under 19, and to those aged 19 or over who are still in the first year of their apprenticeship. After that first year, apprentices aged 19 and over must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate for their age group, which is usually higher than the apprentice rate.
The Apprentice Minimum Wage Explained
The apprentice rate is a specific minimum wage tier that applies only to apprentices, and only under certain conditions. It applies to all apprentices aged under 19, regardless of how long they have been in their apprenticeship. It also applies to apprentices aged 19 or over, but only during their first year. Once an apprentice turns 19 and has completed their first year, they move onto the standard National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate for their age, which is typically a meaningful pay increase.
Pay by Age and Apprenticeship Year
| Apprentice Situation | Rate That Applies |
|---|---|
| Aged 16 to 18, any year | Apprentice rate |
| Aged 19 or over, first year | Apprentice rate |
| Aged 19 or over, after first year | National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for their age |
| Changed employer mid-apprenticeship | New employer must pay apprentice rate for first 12 months |
Rates are reviewed and typically increase each April, so it is worth checking the current figures on gov.uk rather than relying on older sources.
What Happens to Pay After Year One
The jump in pay after the first year can be significant, since apprentices move from the flat apprentice rate onto the age-based National Minimum Wage or Living Wage, which is usually considerably higher. This applies specifically to those aged 19 and over. Apprentices under 19 remain on the apprentice rate throughout, regardless of how many years they have completed, until they turn 19.
Do All Apprentices Get Paid the Same?
No. The rates described here are legal minimums, and many employers choose to pay more, sometimes considerably more, particularly in sectors experiencing skills shortages or where attracting strong candidates is competitive. Your specific pay rate should always be confirmed in your employment contract, since this is the document that legally governs what you are entitled to, provided it meets or exceeds the statutory minimum.
Sector Pay Differences
Apprenticeship pay varies noticeably by sector. Construction and engineering apprenticeships, for example, sometimes pay above the statutory minimum due to demand for skilled trades. Public sector apprenticeships, such as those run by local councils, often publish clear pay scales that can be higher than the bare legal minimum, particularly for higher-level apprenticeships equivalent to a foundation degree or above. If you are comparing offers, it is worth checking the specific rate stated in each contract rather than assuming all apprenticeships pay the same.
Getting Paid for Training Time
Apprentices must be paid for all time spent on work-related learning or training, not just time spent doing practical work. This includes online learning, college attendance, and training completed away from your usual workplace. If your apprenticeship includes a day release for study, that day should still be paid at your normal apprentice rate, since it counts as part of your working time under the apprenticeship agreement.
Can You Ask for More Than the Minimum?
Yes. The rates covered in this guide are legal minimums, not fixed amounts, and there is nothing stopping you from discussing pay with your employer, particularly as you progress and take on more responsibility. Employers are free to pay more than the statutory rate, and demonstrating strong progress during your apprenticeship can be a reasonable basis for raising the conversation, especially at review points built into many apprenticeship programmes.
What Else Apprentices Are Entitled To
Beyond your hourly or salary rate, apprentices are entitled to the same core workplace rights as other employees, including paid holiday entitlement and statutory sick pay if eligible. You should also expect your employer to cover the costs of any mandatory training directly linked to your apprenticeship, since this is generally considered part of your employment rather than a separate expense you need to cover yourself.
What to Do If You’re Underpaid
If you believe you are being paid less than the legal minimum for your age and apprenticeship year, first check your contract and payslips against the current published rates. If there is a genuine discrepancy, raise it directly with your employer, since underpayment is often an administrative error rather than a deliberate decision. If the issue is not resolved after raising it, you can contact Acas for free, confidential advice, or pursue a formal process for non-payment of minimum wage.
Expert Insight
Careers advisers often point out that the pay increase after an apprentice’s first year is one of the most overlooked aspects of apprenticeship planning. Many first-time apprentices budget around their starting rate without realising that, provided they are 19 or over, their pay is likely to rise meaningfully once that first year is complete, which is worth factoring into any financial planning during the earlier stages of training.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do apprentices get paid in the first year? Apprentices in their first year, regardless of age, are entitled to at least the apprentice minimum wage rate. Those aged 19 or over will move to a higher age-based rate once their first year is complete.
Do apprentices get a pay rise after year one? Yes, but only apprentices aged 19 or over. Once they complete their first year, they must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate for their age, which is usually higher than the apprentice rate.
Can I ask for more than the minimum apprentice wage? Yes. The statutory rate is a legal minimum, not a fixed amount, and many employers pay more, particularly as apprentices progress and gain skills. It is reasonable to discuss pay as you take on more responsibility.
Are apprentices paid for college or training days? Yes. Apprentices must be paid for all time spent on work-related learning or training, including college attendance and online learning, at their normal apprentice rate.
What should I do if I think I’m being underpaid as an apprentice? Check your contract and payslips against current published rates, then raise any discrepancy with your employer directly. If it is not resolved, free advice is available from Acas, and a formal process exists for reporting non-payment of minimum wage.
Quick Reference Pay Table
| Situation | Applies |
|---|---|
| Under 19 | Apprentice rate, throughout apprenticeship |
| 19+ in first year | Apprentice rate |
| 19+ after first year | Age-based National Minimum or Living Wage |
| Training or college time | Must be paid at normal apprentice rate |
| Changing employer mid-apprenticeship | Apprentice rate continues for 12 months with new employer |
Understanding exactly which rate applies to your situation is the first step to making sure you are being paid correctly throughout your apprenticeship, and to knowing what to expect as you progress.
