Apprenticeship Funding
Apprenticeship funding is available from the National Apprenticeship Service. The size of the contribution varies depending on your sector and the age of the candidate. If the apprentice is aged 16-18 years old, you will receive 100 per cent of the cost of the training; if they are 19-24 years old, you will receive up to 50 per cent; if they are 25 years old or over you may only get a contribution depending on the sector and area in which you operate.
This is paid directly to the organisation that provides and supports the Apprenticeship; in most cases this will be a learning provider. Large employers with a direct contract with the National Apprenticeship Service may receive the funding themselves.
| 2011/12 | WBL |
| All 16-18 | Fully Funded |
| 1st Full Level 2 19-24 | Co-funded |
| 1st Full Level 2 25+ | Co-funded |
| 1st Full Level 3 19-24 (Jumper) | Co-funded |
| 1st Full Level 3 25+ (Jumper) | Co-funded |
| 2nd Full Level 2 19-24 | Co-funded |
| 2nd Full Level 2 25+ | Co-funded |
| 2nd Full Level 3 19-24 | Co-funded |
| 2nd Full Level 3 25+ | Co-funded |
National Minimum Wage
A National Minimum Wage for apprentices was introduced on 1 October 2010. The wage applies to all apprentices aged under 19; and apprentices aged 19 or over in the first year of their Apprenticeship.
The apprentice minimum wage is £2.50 per hour and applies to time working, plus time spent training that is part of the Apprenticeship. Employers are be free to pay above the new wage and many do so, but employers must ensure that they are paying their apprentices at least the minimum wage.
If an apprentice is on a higher wage, the employer must continue to pay that for the remainder of the training or until the apprentice becomes eligible for the full national minimum wage.
