Become an apprentice
What you'll get
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 £6.40 per hour.
Aged 19 or over and in your first year
The current National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice is £6.40 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.
The Apprentice Support Centre has information and advice about apprenticeships.