How much do I have to pay an apprentice?

All employed Apprentices in the first year of their learning, or aged under 19 years, must be paid at least the Apprentice minimum wage.  In subsequent years, minimum wage legislation applies.

Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they are either:
~ aged under 19
~ or aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship

Apprentices are entitled to the minimum wage rate for their age if they both:
~ are aged 19 or over
~ and have completed the first year of their apprenticeship 

Examples can be found on the National Minimum Wage Rates page on the Government Website.

In reality, and typically of the engineering sector, most Apprentices at SETA are paid above minimum wage.  As a guide, the typical school-leaver/first year apprentice can expect to take home around £200 per week. We suggest employers tie-in pay rises to key stages of the apprenticeship.