As an apprentice, you’ll get:

paid and be entitled to the National Minimum Wage

time for training or study as part of your apprenticeship

holiday pay and other employee rights

Apprentice pay and the National Minimum Wage

There are different rates of pay for apprentices depending on your age and what year of your apprenticeship you’re in.

Your employment contract should confirm your rate of pay.

Aged 16 to 18

The current National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice is £4.15 per hour.

Aged 19 or over and in your first year

The current National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice is £4.15 per hour.

Aged 19 or over and have completed your first year

You’re entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate for your age.

Check you’re being paid the minimum wage with the National Minimum Wage and Living Wage calculator.

Time apprentices are paid for

You must be paid for:

your normal working hours

training that’s part of your apprenticeship (at least 20% of your normal working hours)

study towards English and maths qualifications, if they’re part of your apprenticeship

Your normal working hours should be in your employment contract (this might be your apprenticeship agreement).

There are rules about how many hours you can work in a week and being paid overtime.

If you’re studying for English and maths qualifications which are part of your apprenticeship, your employer should allow you time to study during your normal working hours.

Training

As an apprentice, at least 20% of your normal working hours must be spent on training.

Your training might happen every week, every month or in a separate block of time.

The training might take place:

at your place of work

somewhere else like at a college or training provider

online

Your training provider will be able to tell you when and where your training will be.

Holidays

You’ll get at least 20 days paid holiday per year, plus bank holidays.

Use the holiday calculator to check holiday entitlement for apprentices.

If you’ve been in local authority care

If you’re under 25 when you start your apprenticeship and have previously been in local authority care, you may be eligible for a bursary payment.

Ask your training provider for more information about what you’ll get, if you’re eligible and how to apply.

Help and advice

Your school, college or training provider may be able to give you advice about apprenticeships.

Contact Acas for free and confidential advice on your rights at work.

Contact the Support Service for Apprentices for mental health support and advice.