From 1 April 2022, a minimum wage of £4.81 per hour (including off the job training time) must be paid to all apprentices under the age of 19 or in the first year of their apprenticeship. To find the latest National Minimum Wage rates visit the government's website.
Apprenticeships for your business
Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes designed around the needs of employers, which lead to nationally recognised qualifications.
Apprenticeships are available to employers of all sizes and from all sectors, and cover a wide range of occupations. They are a proven way to train your workforce and make your organisation more productive and competitive.
Apply for an apprentice wage subsidy grant
You can apply to us for a £2,000 grant if you are a small business employing a new or additional apprentice. Further details can be found in the Frequently asked questions section.
Applications are currently paused
Benefits of apprenticeships
- you can adapt their training to the needs of your business
- the apprentice is motivated to learn new skills
- they can help improve your productivity
- you can expand and upskill your workforce
Visit the government's website to find out more about the benefits of recruiting an apprentice.
Advertising for an apprentice
Young people could be looking for an apprenticeship at any time during the year, with some students who go onto further education then deciding to change onto an apprenticeship.
Students generally leave school in June and if they are under 18 years old must be in employment or in education by September.
The government website provides further information on employing an apprentice.
The Apprenticeship Hub
The Apprenticeship Hub offers free and impartial apprenticeship advice and support to businesses in North Yorkshire on a range of areas including:
- recruiting an apprentice
- choosing the right apprenticeship standard
- finding the right provider
- accessing levy funds and incentives
- setting up and using the apprenticeship digital account
- support and training for leadership and management teams
- wraparound support for apprentices
For further details visit the Apprenticeship Hub website.
Employer National Insurance contributions
Employers of apprentices under the age of 25, who are following an approved apprenticeship programme, are no longer required to pay secondary Class 1 (employer) National Insurance contributions on earnings up to the Upper Earnings Limit.
In order to apply for the National Insurance relief, employers need to provide evidence to HMRC confirming the apprentice is on an approved scheme with the start and end date of the apprenticeship. For further details visit the HMRC website.
Frequently asked questions
How much are apprentices paid
How many hours must apprentices work?
Employment must be for at least 30 hours per week, except due to circumstances where the apprentice cannot complete the full 30 hours.
Do apprentices need a contract?
Yes, all apprentices must have a contract of employment. Ideally a salary should be offered which reflects the job role and the skills and experience of the candidate. It can also be helpful to consider how the apprentice’s pay will increase over time.
How long will the apprenticeship last?
Apprenticeships last for a minimum of 12 months. Apprenticeships can take between one and four years to complete depending on the level and type, and the ability of the individual apprentice.
What happens to the apprentice wage subsidy funding if the apprentice leaves?
If the employer terminates the apprentice or the apprentice resigns between:
- one to 12 weeks - the council will recover £500 of the grant and a second instalment will not be paid
- 13 to 22 weeks - the employer will refund the council all of the second payment for £1,000
Which businesses/individuals are eligible for the apprentice wage subsidy grant?
- the grant supports small businesses with priority given to those employing less than 20 employees
- the business must be based in the Hambleton area, have an annual turnover under £50 million, and/or a balance sheet total under £43 million
- the business must have been established or operational for at least three months
- the new or additional apprentice must live within the Hambleton area and be aged 16-24. Please note payment cannot be used to subsidise an existing apprentice
Contact us
If you have a query, please contact us.