Employ an Apprentice

Employer Guide

Taking on an apprentice is a great way for businesses to develop skilled employees while supporting local talent. Apprenticeships combine paid employment with structured training, allowing apprentices to gain valuable workplace experience while working towards a recognised qualification. At UCG, we work closely with employers to ensure apprentices receive the training, support and guidance needed to succeed.

This guide outlines the key responsibilities employers should be aware of when employing an apprentice.

Apprentice Wages

Employers are responsible for paying an apprentice’s wages as well as any related employer contributions, including National Insurance where applicable.

All apprentices must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage, although many employers choose to pay higher rates.

Current UK minimum hourly rates (April 2026)

Apprentice pay rules

The apprentice rate (£8.00 per hour) applies if the apprentice is:

• Under 19, or
• 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship

Apprentices must be paid the minimum wage for their age if they:

• Are 19 or older, and
• Have completed the first year of their apprenticeship

Employers may offer higher pay to attract and retain talented apprentices.

Apprentice Working Hours

Apprentices follow UK working time regulations.

Apprentices aged 16–18

Young apprentices have additional protections. They can work:

• Up to 8 hours per day
• Up to 40 hours per week

They cannot usually work between 10pm and 6am, except in certain sectors.

Time spent completing apprenticeship training counts towards working hours.

Apprentices aged 18+

Adult apprentices can work standard working hours, although the average working week should not exceed 48 hours unless they opt out.

Holiday Entitlement

Apprentices are employees and are entitled to the same statutory holiday allowance as other staff.

This means they must receive at least:

• 28 days paid holiday per year for full-time apprentices
• This may include bank holidays

Holiday entitlement should be calculated pro-rata for part-time apprentices.

Off-the-Job Training Requirement

All apprenticeships include a mandatory off-the-job training requirement.

Employers must allow apprentices to spend at least 6 hours per week completing learning activities that support their apprenticeship programme.

This training may include:

• Classroom sessions at the college
• Online learning
• Workshops or practical training
• Shadowing experienced staff
• Coursework or project work

Off-the-job training is a government requirement and must be planned, recorded and monitored by the employer, apprentice and training provider.

Working with UCG

Our apprenticeship team works closely with employers to make hiring an apprentice simple and effective. We support businesses with:

• Recruiting suitable apprentices
• Delivering high-quality training and qualifications
• Monitoring off-the-job training
• Supporting apprentices throughout their programme
• Ensuring compliance with apprenticeship funding rules

Hire an Apprentice

If you are interested in employing an apprentice or would like to discuss apprenticeship opportunities for your business, our team is here to help.

Contact our apprenticeship team today to find out how apprenticeships can benefit your organisation.

College of North West London
Email: apprenticeships@cnwl.ac.uk

City of Westminster College
Email: apprenticeships@cwc.ac.uk