An apprenticeship is a real job that enables individuals to earn while they learn, gaining valuable skills and knowledge tailored to a specific job role.
As an employer, hiring an apprentice allows you to invest in the future by bringing in talent that fits your business needs. Apprentices, like any other employees, have a contract with you.
Key points:
- Apprentices can start from the age of 16 (or 15 years of age if the apprentice’s 16th birthday is between the last Friday of June and 31 August), with no upper age limit.
- You must pay apprentices at least the national minimum wage. Learn more about pay and conditions for apprentices.
- Existing employees can also become apprentices at any point to enhance their skills.
- An apprenticeship needs to include on-the-job and off-the job work and training that lasts for a minimum duration of 12 months.
- Apprentices typically spend 80% of their time on the job, learning and gaining experience, and 20% off-the-job training, which may be conducted at the workplace, college, or with a training provider.
- Employers who do not pay the apprenticeship levy employing apprentices aged 21 and under do not have to pay for their training.
- Employers who do not pay the apprenticeship levy and employ apprentices who are 22 or over are eligible for government funding covering 95% of the training costs.