Apprenticeship Wages: How Much Do Apprentices Get Paid?

Apprenticeships Blogs

Apprenticeship wages can vary depending on your skills and the industry you work in. Read on to get all the information you need to know about what you could earn as an apprentice.

In this blog post, we'll answer some of the most common questions about apprenticeship wages, including how to increase your earnings as an apprentice. We'll also give you a breakdown of the average wage for different types of apprenticeships.

Do apprentices only get a minimum wage?

An employer must pay apprentices at least the minimum apprenticeship wage.  Many employers choose to pay their apprentices more than the minimum wage. They recognise it helps to improve loyalty to their employer as well as their overall quality of life.

Apprentices Minimum Wage (2022 - 2023: Current)

The minimum apprenticeship wage is £4.81 per hour.

Apprentices are able to benefit from the apprentice rate if they’re either:

aged under 19
aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship

For example

A 21 year old apprentice in the first year of their apprenticeship can get a minimum hourly rate of £4.81.

Apprentices Minimum Wage (2023 - 2024: April onwards)

The minimum apprenticeship wage will increase to £5.28 in April 2023.

National Minimum Wage (2022 - 2023: Current)

An employer must pay an apprentice at least the national minimum wage rate for their age if they meet the below conditions.

Under 18 - £4.81 (until April 2023, when it will increase to £5.81)

18 to 20 - £6.83 (until April 2023, when it will increase to £7.49)

21 to 22 - £9.18 (until April 2023, when it will increase to £10.18)

Over 23 - £9.50 (until April 2023, when it will increase to £10.42)

Apprentices can benefit from the minimum wage for their age bracket if they meet the following criteria::

are aged 19 or over
have completed the first year of their apprenticeship

For example

A 21 year old apprentice who has finished the first year of their apprenticeship can get a minimum hourly rate of £9.18.

How can an apprentice earn more money?

Some apprentice wages might be lower than an average minimum wage. This is because your employer is also spending money on subsidizing your education and training.

Minimum wage and living wage

Some companies opt to pay their apprentices the national living wage in order to attract top-tier talent. This allows workers to maintain a comfortable lifestyle during their training and increases the likelihood that they'll stay with the company once their apprenticeship is complete.

While an apprentice's initial salary may be low, they walk away from the experience with skill sets that exceed industry standards. This makes them prime candidates for high-paying positions down the road.

The great news is that you can negotiate a pay rise as an apprentice! If you work hard, take on extra responsibilities, and show your worth to the company, then you have every right to ask for a salary increase.

Do higher paying apprenticeships exist?

Yes, there are some higher-paying apprenticeships available. For example, if you're interested in pursuing a career in finance or accounting, then you might be eligible for one of the Big Four Apprenticeship Programs. These programs offer apprentices the opportunity to earn high salaries and obtain professional qualifications from top institutions like PwC, EY, KPMG, and Deloitte.

Overall, there are a number of factors that influence an apprentice's wage. Whether you're just starting out in the workforce or looking to change careers, it's important to do your research and explore all your options when it comes to apprenticeship wages. With the right training and work ethic, you can build a successful career and earn an impressive salary in your field.

Apprenticeship conditions and rights

All Apprenticeships must be working towards an approved apprenticeship and their training must last at least 12 months. To be eligible for the assessment, they must have a regular job that gives them the chance to learn and grow in their skills.

Do I get paid while training?

As an apprentice, you will be paid for time spent training or studying for your apprenticeship.

This means that Apprentices must spend at least 20% of their normal working hours training.

The training can take place:

at their place of work
somewhere else (for example, a college or training provider)
online

Are my employee rights different as an apprentice?

Apprentices are entitled to the same conditions as all other employees working at similar grades or in similar roles.

This includes:

paid holidays
sick pay
any benefits on offer such as childcare voucher schemes
any support on offer such as coaching or mentoring

Apprenticeship wages can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of apprenticeship, level of experience, and the company you work for. However, most apprentices earn more than the minimum wage and have the opportunity to negotiate a pay rise as they progress through their training. Additionally, there are a number of higher-paying apprenticeships available in various industries.

So if you're interested in an apprenticeship

Total People offer apprenticeships in a variety of different industries. Whether you are already working in employment, or want to start a career in a chosen industry, we can help you find an apprenticeship.

It is easy to apply for an apprenticeship and we can support you through every stage.

Follow the next steps to begin your apprenticeship journey.