There are huge benefits to becoming an apprentice, you'll earn money whilst you learn a trade. But what sort of wage and employment rights can you expect?
There is a set amount that employers must pay you as an apprentice and it does depend upon the stage you are at within your training. Many employers opt to pay more than the minimum requirement or reward their apprentices as they progress through their qualification, but every employer is different.
It is a good idea to chat about wages at the outset of your apprenticeship, our Training Co-ordinators can do this with you when you are introduced to a prospective employer.
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 Wage When You Start
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 National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice from 1st April 2026 will be £8.00 per hour.
- Aged 19 or over and in your first year - The National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice will be £8.00 per hour.
Age-Related Minimum Wage After Completing Year One
Once an apprentice completes the first year of their apprenticeship, their pay is determined by the National Minimum Wage for their age:
- Ages 18–20: £10.85 per hour (example for a 17-year-old entering the second year at age 18)
- Ages 21–22: £12.71 per hour (example for a 25-year-old in the second year)
You can 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)
- work towards English and maths qualifications, if they’re part of your apprenticeship
Your normal working hours should be in your employment contract or apprenticeship agreement. There are rules about how many hours you can work in a week and being paid overtime.
Training
As an apprentice, at least 20% of your normal working hours must be spent on training and this will be delivered via day or block release at Train4All. You will also receive aspects of training with your employer. All 'Off-The-Job' training will be logged on a monthly basis with your tutor.
Holidays
You’ll get at least 20 days paid holiday per year, plus bank holidays.
Attendance at the Academy
The most common method of attendance is a day release, where you will be at the Academy one day a week and spend four days with your employer. Depending upon which programme you are following, in some cases apprentices may attend for block release where the Apprentice will be at the Academy for a longer period of time.
Finding an Employer
In order to do an apprenticeship, you need to find an employer to support you. Many vacancies are listed on the Find an apprenticeship - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) website and as we partner with Swatpro for funding, you will need to select them as a training provider when searching for construction and engineering vacancies.
If you have already found an employer who is willing to take you on as an apprentice then just fill in the application form, and we will arrange to visit your workplace and check that your job role fits with your proposed Apprenticeship programme. We also have many employers approach us looking for apprentices, it is key that you get your application in by Easter for us to support you in your search.
Tips for finding an employer
- Look in local papers and search employer websites for vacancies.
- Ask family, friends, team mates and coaches if they know of any employers who might be interested in taking you on.
- Visit employers’ organisations, to ask them directly if they might have a suitable vacancy.
- Although you are not required to produce a covering letter and CV, it is useful to have one as employers like to see one to get a snapshot of GCSE results, work experience, skills and hobbies.
How to Apply for an Apprenticeship with Train4All
You will need to complete an application form which is available at the academy or can be emailed to you. Once we have received your application, we will arrange for you to come in for an interview to discuss the programmes available and options for training.
If you are not sure what you want to do, or you want to keep your options open, you can apply for more than one Apprenticeship or a Pre-Apprenticeship programme, just enter all the information on one application form. Our Apprenticeship Recruitment Advisors and Curriculum team at Train4All are here to help you with your application and may be able to put you in contact with a relevant employer if you haven’t found one already.
Please call 01458 274043 or email hello@train4all.co.uk to get in touch or request an application form.
Interviews
If we have all the information we need on your application form, we will invite you to attend an interview at the Academy. The sooner you return your form, the sooner you will receive an interview, and as a general rule, these are held at least once a month and sometimes more often. The interview will provide more information about the trades offered and will ensure you are considering the right course for your future. Your parents/carers are welcome to come with you. If you have them, bring copies of your GCSE certificates with you.
Initial assessments
Part of the application process is to complete an Initial assessment. This will provide us with an indication of how you like to learn and also your level of maths and English comprehension. We use the assessments (along with other information), to ensure you training programme meets your individual learning needs.
Advice and Guidance
There are lots of people who can provide you with help in applying to Train4All. Your School Careers Teacher is trained to give you careers advice or if you think you need some one-to-one advice, we have staff trained to offer impartial guidance. Just call 01458 274043 to make an appointment or attend one of our Information Events.