Pay: how it works
There's a specific apprentice rate of the National Minimum Wage that applies if you're under 19, or 19 and over in the first year of your apprenticeship. After that you move to the standard minimum wage for your age.
Check the current rates on gov.uk — they change every April, and any figure quoted in an article is a figure that will eventually be wrong.
The rate is a legal floor, not a going rate. Many employers pay considerably more, and the advert will usually say. If it doesn't, it's fair to ask.
Holiday, sick pay and hours
- Holiday: at least the statutory minimum paid holiday, the same as any employee. Your off-the-job training days count as working days, not holiday.
- Sick pay: you're entitled to Statutory Sick Pay if you meet the conditions, and many employers offer more.
- Hours: a normal contract, usually 30+ hours a week including training time. If you're under 18 there are additional limits on hours and night work.
Your training is protected time
A meaningful part of your paid hours must be spent on off-the-job training, and it has to happen — an employer who keeps cancelling your college day because work is busy isn't running a compliant apprenticeship.
If that's happening, raise it with your training provider first. That's precisely what they're there for, and they have a direct route to fix it.
The same protections as anyone else
You're covered by discrimination law, health and safety law, and the right to a written statement of employment particulars. You can join a union. You're entitled to a safe workplace and proper induction.
Being the youngest and newest person in the building doesn't reduce any of that, however it might feel.
If something's wrong
Start with your training provider or the person named as your mentor — most problems are solved there. Beyond that, Acas gives free, impartial advice on employment rights, and there's a government helpline for apprenticeship concerns.
The short version
- You're an employee with a contract, not a student on placement
- Apprentice minimum wage applies under 19, or in year one — check gov.uk for current rates
- Statutory paid holiday and sick pay apply as normal
- Off-the-job training is protected paid time, not optional
- Raise problems with your training provider first; Acas advises free
Common questions
Is the apprentice wage the same everywhere?
No. It's a legal minimum — many employers pay well above it, particularly at higher and degree levels. Compare adverts rather than assuming.
Do I get paid for my college day?
Yes. Off-the-job training happens within your paid working hours.
What if my employer isn't giving me training time?
Contact your training provider — they're responsible for the apprenticeship being delivered properly and can intervene with the employer directly.