Apprenticeships: FAQs

What is an apprenticeship?  

An apprenticeship is a job where individuals earn a wage while they learn, gaining practical knowledge, skills, and behaviours specifically tailored to a job role. Every apprentice is an employee who has a formal contract with their employer. There are hundreds of training options, including engineering, construction, and finance. 

There are always three parties involved in an apprenticeship. The individual, the employer and the training provider.  

How much does an apprentice earn?  

The amount an apprentice earns depends on their age and how long they have been in their apprenticeship. Because apprenticeships are real jobs, all apprentices are entitled to a wage while they train which is proportionate to their skillset and the value they add to their employer.  

Minimum Wage Rates

The National Minimum Wage for apprentices is updated every April. Based on the latest figures: 

  • From April 2026: The apprentice rate is £8.00 per hour 

The "Apprentice Rate" Applies, if the apprentice is either:  

  • Under 19 years of age 

  • Aged 19 or over, but still in the first year of your apprenticeship 

Apprentices aged 19+ and with the first year of their apprenticeship complete, are entitled to the full National Minimum Wage for their age group.  

Many sectors choose to pay above the legal minimum depending on the qualification level and capabilities of apprentice to stay competitive.  

Why are these reforms happening now? 

The Labour Government believes the current system is no longer fit for purpose. The reforms intend to "pivot" the system back toward younger learners; align with the government’s new Industrial Strategy to address critical skills gaps; and simplify the existing system.  

We go into more detail on the reforms and why they’re happening in our blog: ‘Skills and Growth Reforms Explained’.  

How are apprenticeship assessments changing? 

New Terminology: 

  • "End-point assessment" (EPA) is being replaced by "apprenticeship assessment" 

  • End-point Assessment Organisations (EPAOs) are now simply called Assessment Organisations (AOs) 

  • The "gateway" stage is now known as the "gateway to completion" 

Timings: 

  • Assessment Throughout the Course: Instead of a single high-stakes exam at the very end, assessments can now be designed to take place throughout the programme where appropriate 

Changes in Roles and Responsibilities: 

  • Employer Verification of Behaviours: Independent assessment of professional behaviours is being removed. Instead, employers must internally verify that an apprentice has demonstrated the required behaviours before they can receive their certificate 

  • AOs and Employer Collaboration: AOs remain responsible for creating assessment materials and ensuring quality, but they are now required to work more closely with employers during the design phase to ensure assessments reflect "occupational reality".  

English and Maths: For adult apprentices (aged 19+), achieving formal English and maths qualifications is no longer a mandatory requirement to pass. Instead, they can demonstrate these skills through real work tasks as part of their job 

Are apprenticeships still relevant for existing, senior or experienced staff? 

The government is actively pivoting the apprenticeship system toward young people and away from using funds for existing workers’ professional development, however:  

  • Apprenticeship Units: Launching in April 2026, these are short, "bite-sized" courses lasting 1 to 16 weeks. They are specifically designed for employed people aged 19+ whose employers need to upskill them quickly in areas like AI Leadership, electric vehicle charging, and solar PV installation.  

  • Traditional apprenticeships: While some courses have been defunded, many traditional standards do not have age limits and are suitable for learners of any age just as they have before. This includes new standards like L4 AI and automation practitioner (AI Strategy). 

  • Self-funding: If high-level or management programmes remain critical to your business strategy, you will now likely have to self-fund them rather than relying on the levy. 

  • Protection for Current Learners: Any staff member already enrolled on a standard before it is defunded (or before the Level 7 age cap took effect) will continue to be funded through to completion.