How much should an Apprentice be paid and what is their employment status?
Skills for Care support the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) in recommending that all apprentices are employed and receive the going rate of pay for the role they are undertaking. Where an apprentice is not employed on the usual rate of pay for the role they are undertaking, the apprentice must receive at least 2.50 an hour; please read the guidance provided by the NAS. Apprentices over the age of 19 should be paid as required under the National Minimum Wage legislation after the first year of their apprenticeship. This date is one year after they start their Apprenticeship and not from the date when they become 19 years of age. The minimum hours required to undertake an apprenticeship is 16 (part time) although most apprentices are working 30 hours or more. Providers have to agree apprentice starts on 16-29 hours a week with their LSC contact.
