What is the minimum wage for apprentices in 2026?

From April 2026, the National Minimum Wage for apprentices is £7.55 per hour. This applies if you're in the first year of your apprenticeship, or if you're under 19 regardless of how long you've been an apprentice. After the first year, if you're 19 or over, you're entitled to the full National Minimum Wage for your age group (e.g. £12.21/hour for those 21+ in 2025/26, with increases from April 2026). Many employers pay above the minimum.

What training am I entitled to as an apprentice?

As an apprentice, at least 20% of your working time must be spent on off-the-job training (this is now typically 6 hours per week for a standard 30-hour contract). This training can include: attending college or a training provider, online learning, mentoring, shadowing, and studying for the qualification. Your employer must give you this time during paid working hours — they cannot expect you to do training in your own time. The training must directly relate to your apprenticeship standard.

Can I be made redundant from an apprenticeship?

Yes, but there are specific considerations. If your employer makes you redundant, they should try to find you an alternative employer to complete your apprenticeship. If that's not possible, you're entitled to statutory redundancy pay if you have 2+ years of service. If your employer dismisses you before your apprenticeship end date without a valid reason, this could be breach of contract. Some apprenticeship agreements are fixed-term contracts, which have additional protections.

Do apprentices get holiday?

Yes — apprentices have the same holiday rights as any other employee. You're entitled to at least 5.6 weeks (28 days) of paid holiday per year, which can include bank holidays. If you work part-time, your holiday is pro-rated. Your employer cannot count your time at college as part of your holiday entitlement.

Apprenticeship Pay and Rights Guide UK

Apprenticeships are paid jobs with training — and you have real employment rights from day one. Here’s what you’re entitled to.

Apprentice Pay Rates (2025/26)

Category	Hourly rate
Apprentice rate (under 19, or first year of apprenticeship at any age)	£7.55
Aged 19–20 (after first year)	£10.00
Aged 21+ (after first year)	£12.21
National Living Wage (21+, after first year)	£12.21

What This Means in Practice

Scenario	Hourly rate	Weekly (37.5 hrs)	Monthly	Annual (gross)
17-year-old, year 1	£7.55	£283.13	£1,227	£14,724
20-year-old, year 2	£10.00	£375.00	£1,625	£19,500
22-year-old, year 2	£12.21	£457.88	£1,984	£23,814

Many employers pay above the minimum — especially in sectors like IT, engineering, and finance where apprentice salaries of £15,000–£25,000+ are common.

Your Employment Rights

Right	Detail
Minimum wage	At least the apprentice rate (or age-appropriate NMW after year 1)
Paid holiday	5.6 weeks (28 days) per year — same as any employee
Rest breaks	20 minutes after 6 hours, 11 hours between shifts
Sick pay	SSP if eligible (£116.75/week, earnings threshold £123/week)
Working time limits	Max 48 hours/week (unless you opt out) — 40 hours max if under 18
Pension auto-enrolment	If eligible (22+, earning £10,000+/year)
Protection from discrimination	Full legal protection from day one
Written statement of terms	Your employer must provide one from day one
Training time	At least 20% off-the-job training during paid hours
Health and safety	Same protections as any worker

Extra Protection for Under 18s

Rule	Detail
Maximum hours	40 hours per week, 8 hours per day
Night work	Prohibited (10pm–6am in most cases, or 11pm–7am for some sectors)
Rest breaks	30 minutes after 4.5 hours (vs 20 minutes after 6 hours for adults)
Weekly rest	2 consecutive days off per week (vs 1 day for adults)

Training Entitlements

Requirement	Detail
Off-the-job training	At least 20% of paid working hours
What counts	College, training provider sessions, online learning, mentoring, practical training, studying
What doesn’t count	Normal work duties, training done in your own time
Who provides it	Training provider (college, university, or private provider)
Cost to you	£0 — the employer and government fund the training
Qualification	You’ll work toward a recognised qualification (Level 2–7)

Apprenticeship Levels

Level	Equivalent to	Examples
Level 2 (Intermediate)	GCSEs	Customer service, business admin
Level 3 (Advanced)	A-levels	Accounting, laboratory technician
Level 4 (Higher)	Foundation degree	Professional accounting, cyber security
Level 5 (Higher)	Foundation degree	Operational/departmental manager
Level 6 (Degree)	Bachelor’s degree	Digital technology, chartered surveyor
Level 7 (Master’s)	Master’s degree	Senior leader, solicitor

Apprenticeship Agreement

Element	What it should cover
Start and expected end date	Duration of the apprenticeship
Training to be provided	What qualification you’ll achieve
Working hours	Including training time
Pay	Rate and how it’s paid
Holiday entitlement	At least 28 days
Conditions for early termination	What happens if things go wrong

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem	Solution
Paid below minimum wage	Contact HMRC: 0300 123 1100 — your employer can be fined and must repay you
No training/not enough training time	Raise with your training provider and employer. Contact ESFA (Education and Skills Funding Agency)
Being used as cheap labour	If you’re just doing the same work as regular employees with no training, raise a complaint
No written agreement	You’re entitled to one from day one — request it in writing
Holiday refused	You have the same rights as any employee — contact ACAS
Dismissed unfairly	Contact ACAS for early conciliation. Apprentices may have enhanced dismissal protections
Bullying or discrimination	Report to manager/HR, then ACAS if not resolved

Financial Tips for Apprentices

Tip	Detail
Check your payslip	Make sure you’re being paid correctly for all hours including training time
Open a free bank account	Many banks offer young person/student accounts
NUS Apprentice Extra card	Discounts on shopping, food, and entertainment
Council tax exemption	You MAY be exempt if on an approved apprenticeship scheme and earning under a threshold
Travel costs	Check with your employer — many contribute to travel costs for college days
Student loan	Apprentices don’t take out student loans — your training is funded
Build savings	Even small amounts — £50/month adds up quickly
Claim tax relief	If you buy tools, equipment, or professional subscriptions for work