In April 2018, we saw an increase in the National Minimum Wages and the National Living Wage. The National Minimum Apprenticeship Wage also increased in April from £3.50 per hour to £3.70.
There is a lot of confusion when it comes to Apprenticeship wages; an Apprentice can only be paid the National Minimum Apprenticeship Wage for the first 12 months of their apprenticeship (365 days from their sign up date) unless they are below the age of 18, after this, the Apprentice must be paid at least the minimum wage for their age group:
Under 18: £4.20 per hour
18 – 20: £5.90 per hour
21 – 24: £7.38 per hour
National Living Wage (25+): £7.83 per hour
Fortunately, many employers pay above the National Minimum Apprenticeship Wage as it opens up a wider audience of applicants.
If you have any questions regarding the Apprenticeship Wage or wages in general, give us a call!
This article records rates from 2018, so the figures above should not be used as current pay advice. Employers and applicants should check the latest official minimum wage rates, confirm the age band and understand when the first-year rule ends. The important point remains that an apprentice is an employee with a contract, paid working time and holiday rights.
Employers should also explain how training time fits into the working week and who the apprentice can contact with a pay query. The off-the-job training guidance helps clarify why learning is part of the employment arrangement rather than unpaid study added at the end of the day.
The learner guidance is another useful place to prepare questions about contracts, training and support before accepting a role.
