UK Apprentice Pay Rates 2025/26 — Minimum Wage for Apprentices Explained
Written by Tom Ellis · Senior Trades Editor
Last updated: August 2026
Quick Answer
The apprentice National Minimum Wage for 2025/26 is £7.55 per hour — this applies to apprentices aged under 19, or those aged 19+ in their first year. After year one, apprentices aged 19+ must receive the NMW for their age group: £10.00/hr (18–20) or £12.21/hr (21+).
By Tom Ellis, Senior Trades Editor · Updated August 2026 · Rates from April 2025
Key Rates — April 2025 to March 2026
Apprentice rate — applies to all apprentices under 19, or aged 19+ in year 1 of their apprenticeship
NMW for 18–20 year olds — applies to apprentices aged 19–20 who have completed year 1
National Living Wage — applies to apprentices aged 21 and over who have completed year 1
Of off-the-job training hours (college days, study time) must be paid at least at the applicable NMW rate
Apprentice Minimum Wage Rates 2025/26 (from April 2025)
Weekly and annual figures are calculated on a 37.5-hour working week. Actual hours and pay may vary based on your contract.
| Situation | Hourly Rate | Weekly (37.5hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 19 (any year) | £7.55 | £283 | £14,722 |
| 19+ in first year | £7.55 | £283 | £14,722 |
| 19–20, year 2+ | £10.00 | £375 | £19,500 |
| 21+, year 2+ | £12.21 | £458 | £23,810 |
Source: HMRC National Minimum Wage rates (April 2025). Annual figures based on 37.5 hrs/week × 52 weeks.
When the Apprentice Rate Applies vs Age-Group NMW
Whether an apprentice is paid the apprentice rate or the standard NMW for their age depends on two factors: their age and whether they are still in year one of the apprenticeship.
| Age | Year 1 | Year 2+ |
|---|---|---|
| 16–17 | £7.55 (apprentice rate) | £7.55 (under-18 NMW — same rate) |
| 18 | £7.55 (apprentice rate) | £7.55 (apprentice rate still applies under 19) |
| 19–20 | £7.55 (apprentice rate) | £10.00 (18–20 NMW) |
| 21+ | £7.55 (apprentice rate) | £12.21 (National Living Wage) |
Note: apprentices aged under 19 always receive the apprentice rate, regardless of which year of their apprenticeship they are in.
What Counts as Working Time for Apprentice NMW?
A common source of confusion for tradespeople taking on their first apprentice is off-the-job training time. HMRC is clear: time spent on off-the-job training — including college days, online learning, and any other structured study required by the apprenticeship framework — counts as working time for National Minimum Wage purposes.
This means you cannot deduct study time from an apprentice's wages, or treat college days as unpaid leave. If your apprentice attends college one day a week, that day must be paid at the applicable NMW rate. Failure to do so is an NMW underpayment, which HMRC actively enforces with financial penalties and public naming.
Practical note. Keep a record of your apprentice's hours week by week — both site hours and college/study hours. Total hours paid at minimum wage must meet or exceed the NMW threshold. Sleepless Tradesman's timesheet feature can help you log and track this automatically.
What Tradespeople Actually Pay Apprentices
£7.55 per hour is the legal floor, not the going rate. In trades with skill shortages — particularly electrical, gas, and plumbing — many employers pay significantly above the minimum from day one to attract and retain the best apprentices.
Electricians and gas engineers commonly pay £8.50–£11/hr for first-year apprentices, reflecting competition for candidates who might otherwise go to a rival firm. Some larger contractors go further, paying the full NMW for the apprentice's age group regardless of which year they are in — effectively treating the apprentice rate as irrelevant.
Trades with less immediate skill shortage — painting, decorating, basic groundwork — are more likely to sit at or near the apprentice minimum. Whatever rate you pay, it must be documented, consistent, and reviewed each April when HMRC updates the NMW rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the apprentice minimum wage in 2025/26?+
The apprentice National Minimum Wage rate for 2025/26 is £7.55 per hour. This applies to apprentices aged under 19, or apprentices aged 19 and over who are in the first year of their apprenticeship.
What happens to apprentice pay after year 1?+
After completing the first year of their apprenticeship, apprentices aged 19 and over must be paid the NMW for their age group — £10.00/hr for 18–20 year olds, or £12.21/hr (National Living Wage) for those aged 21 and over.
Do study days count toward apprentice pay?+
Yes. Time spent on off-the-job training, including college days and study time, counts as working time for National Minimum Wage purposes. Employers must pay NMW for all hours including study.
Can an apprentice earn more than the apprentice rate?+
Yes — the apprentice rate is the legal minimum. Many employers pay more, particularly in trades with skill shortages. Gas engineers, electricians and plumbers often attract higher apprentice wages.
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