In April 2024, the UK government raised the apprentice wage 2024. The salary increases from £5.28 to £6.40 per hour. This change is for workers under 19 years old, as well as those who are in their first year. The goal of this raise is to make apprenticeships more beneficial. It also aims to attract young people who have just started work to keep going.
In this article, you will learn about the apprentice wage 2024 and 2025 in the UK. It explains how young workers earn money while gaining skills from job training and education. It also explains how wages increase with age and experience. This guide helps workers understand their duties and how they can benefit from their roles. Let's start exploring!
What is an apprentice wage?
An apprentice wage is the earnings people receive while they learn skills through an apprenticeship programme. In the UK, apprentices do the job training and formal education. This allows them to get skills and knowledge at the same time. In this case, companies pay apprentice workers for their work. The apprentice wage 2024 depends on their age and the stage of their training.
Usually, companies pay competitive wages to attract and keep skilled apprentices, especially in industries that need more workers, like construction. By offering fair pay, companies can build a strong and capable workforce. This training can lead to long-term career opportunities and bring benefits for both the business and the economy.
Apprentice Wage 2024 minimum rates
Apprentice wage 2024 rose to £6.40 per hour. Companies must pay apprentices at least the legal minimum wage. Apprentices should use the National Minimum Wage and Living Wage calculator in 2024 to check that employers pay them correctly. Moreover, companies must pay them for their working hours, training, and any study toward qualifications. Here are the details:
- Eligibility: Applies to apprentices who are under 19 years old. At the same time, it applies to those 19 years or older who are in the first year of apprenticeship.
- Employment contract: Apprentices should have an employment contract that confirms their rate of pay.
Aside from wages, apprentices have the right to get holidays, rest breaks, and protection under employment law. According to the Working Time Regulations 1998, companies must give holidays for at least 20% of working hours. Just like other employees, apprentices get rest breaks for 20 minutes during the working day. They also get 11 hours of rest between finishing work and starting work.
2025 Apprentice Wage rates
As mentioned above, the apprentice wage 2024 applies to both under-19 and 19-year-olds in their first year. This rate also applies for 2025. As of April 1, 2025, the UK government implemented new National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) rates. This includes an increase in the apprentice wage.
The hourly rate of apprentices in 2025 is increased to £7.55. This change gives an 18% higher from the previous rate of £6.40. It shows a commitment to supporting apprentices as they develop valuable skills and gain experience on the site. Same with 2024, apprentices are capable of getting the minimum wage for their age group after completing the first year.
Wage progression for apprentices
Even with these pay rises, many people worry that the apprentice wage 2024 is still too low. For example, an apprentice earning the minimum wage of £6.40 per hour would make about £13,312 a year. This is only a little more than one-third of the average UK yearly wage, which is £34,963. Because of this gap, many people ask for a raise in apprentice wages to the Real Living Wage.
As of April 2025, the UK government has implemented the following minimum wage rates progression for apprentices:
- Aged 19–20 (after the first year): £10.00 per hour
- Aged 21+ (after the first year): £12.21 per hour
Some industries offer apprenticeships with high pay. For instance, degree apprenticeships let students work while getting a degree. These happen in areas like engineering, finance, and digital technology. Based on the apprentice wage 2024, some industries will pay up to £100,000 during the programme. However, this amount is a total over the full programme, not paid in a single year.
Legal entitlements and benefits for apprentices
In the UK, apprentices have important rights and benefits that protect them at work. For instance, companies must treat apprentices like employees and must get a contract that explains their job training. The contract must also state their rights to get the apprentice wage 2024. Apprentices must get paid leaves, sick pay, and can take maternity or paternity leave. Moreover, their workplace must be safe and free from discrimination.
Apprentices also earn an apprentice wage 2024 based on their age and experience. For example, young apprentices or those in their first year get a lower minimum wage. On the contrary, older or more experienced apprentices earn more. All apprentices get at least 20 days of paid holiday each year, plus public holidays. These rights help apprentices balance work and rest.
Alongside their wage, apprentices can also get extra money. Some can get benefits like Universal Credit to help with living costs. Apprentices with disabilities can get special support at work. Moreover, many apprentices get discounts on travel. This includes cheaper train tickets and special cards for buses and trains. These benefits make apprenticeships easier and less costly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the UK apprentice wage 2024 and 2025 helps young workers earn money while they learn new skills. The minimum wage starts at £6.40 per hour and rises to £7.55 in 2025. Although this is lower than the average UK wage, apprentices gain important work experience and training. Apprentices also have rights like paid leave, safe workplaces, and support such as help for those with disabilities. This system benefits both apprentices and employers by building skills and offering chances for better jobs.
If you want to improve your qualifications, enrolling at the College of Contract Management is a great choice. Their online courses cover key topics in simple and clear ways. Thus, you can study at your own pace. Moreover, the skills you gain from college apply to many jobs, so they can help increase your income. Start learning today and take the next step in your career with CCM!
