How to Take On an Apprentice as a Tradesperson in the UK

Can a sole trader take on an apprentice?

Yes, but there are a few things to understand upfront. As a sole trader, you become an employer the moment you take on an apprentice — which means registering as an employer with HMRC, running payroll (even if the apprentice earns under the tax threshold), and taking out employers' liability insurance.

It's more admin than hiring a labourer on the books, but the government support makes it financially viable for even one-person businesses. The training provider handles most of the formal paperwork, and you just need to provide the on-the-job learning.

Setting up your apprenticeship service account

Go to find.apprenticeships.education.gov.ukand register as an employer. You'll need:

• Your PAYE reference (you must be registered as an employer with HMRC before this step)
• A Government Gateway login (or create one)
• Your business details

Once registered, you can browse apprenticeship standards (the frameworks that define what an apprentice learns), post vacancies, and manage your funding account. For most trades there's an apprenticeship standard — electrician, plumber, gas engineer, bricklayer, carpentry and joinery, and many more.

Finding the right training provider

You must use an ESFA-approved training provider — a college, training company, or specialist provider who delivers the off-the-job training (minimum 6 hours per week of the working day). Use the government's register of approved providers to find one near you.

Look for providers that specialise in construction and trades — CITB-affiliated colleges and specialist trade training centres typically have better industry knowledge than general FE colleges. Ask what their completion rates are (the national average for trade apprenticeships is around 55–60%).

What you must pay (minimum apprentice wage)

Apprentices have their own National Minimum Wage rate. From April 2026:

Most tradespeople pay above the apprentice minimum to attract better candidates — £8–£10/hr in year one is typical in the trades. See our apprentice pay rates guide for the full breakdown by age and year.

Government funding: how much and how to claim

Small employers (annual payroll under £3 million) don't pay the apprenticeship levy, so the government co-invests in training costs:

• Government pays: 95% of the agreed training cost
• You pay: 5% — typically £500–£1,000 over the apprenticeship

Training costs for trade apprenticeships typically range from £15,000 to £27,000 over 3–4 years. Your 5% contribution on a £20,000 apprenticeship is just £1,000 total — spread across the duration. The government pays the training provider directly through your apprenticeship service account; you don't pay up front.

The £1,000 incentive for young apprentices

If you take on an apprentice aged 16–18 (or aged 19–24 and previously in care or with an Education, Health and Care plan), you receive a £1,000 employer incentive paymentfrom the government. This is paid in two instalments:

• £500 at 90 days into the apprenticeship
• £500 at 365 days

The payments are made automatically through your apprenticeship service account — you don't need to apply separately.

Foundation apprenticeships (new from August 2025)

From August 2025, a new foundation apprenticeship route was introduced for 16–21 year olds with no prior qualifications. These are shorter (8–12 months), lighter on the technical theory, and designed to get young people work-ready before moving into a full apprenticeship.

For tradespeople who want to try someone out before committing to a 3-year apprenticeship, this could be a useful stepping stone. The government funds 100% of training costs for foundation apprenticeships.

Your legal duties as an employer

Taking on an apprentice makes you a formal employer. You must:

• Register as an employer with HMRC and run PAYE
• Provide a written apprenticeship agreement
• Allow at least 6 hours per week of off-the-job training during working hours
• Provide a safe working environment with appropriate supervision
• Give the apprentice holidays (at least 20 days plus bank holidays)
• Keep records of training and progress

Employers' liability insurance — a must

The moment you have an employee — including an apprentice — you're legally required to hold employers' liability insurance with a minimum cover of £5 million. This covers you if the apprentice is injured on the job. Fines for not having it start at £2,500 per day. Many tradespeople already have this as part of their public liability policy — check with your insurer.

The practical reality: what it's really like

Tradespeople who've done it say the first six months are the hardest — you're essentially teaching and doing your own work at the same time. The apprentice will slow you down initially, and you need patience. By year two, a good apprentice becomes genuinely useful, and by year three you have a qualified person who knows exactly how you work.

The tradespeople who stick with it consistently say it was worth it — both for the business and personally. The trades are facing a serious skills shortage, and training the next generation is the only long-term fix.