Glossary · UK
What is National Minimum Wage Apprentice Rate?
A reduced National Minimum Wage rate that applies to apprentices aged under 19, or apprentices of any age in the first year of their apprenticeship, set at 8.00 pounds per hour from April 2026.
Full Definition
The apprentice rate is the lowest tier of the National Minimum Wage structure, applying specifically to apprentices aged under 19, and to apprentices aged 19 or over who are still in the first year of their apprenticeship. From 1 April 2026, the apprentice rate is 8.00 pounds per hour, having risen by 6% from the previous year as part of the Low Pay Commission's recommendations, which continue a policy of narrowing the gap between the apprentice rate and other age bands over time. Once an apprentice turns 19 and has completed the first year of their apprenticeship, they must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage rate for their age band -- for example, the 18-20 rate of 10.85 pounds per hour, or the National Living Wage of 12.71 pounds per hour if they are 21 or over -- rather than continuing on the apprentice rate. Employers must track two separate conditions to apply the apprentice rate correctly: the apprentice's age, and how long they have been on their apprenticeship programme, measured from the start date of the apprenticeship agreement or approved English apprenticeship framework or standard. Getting this wrong -- for example, continuing to pay the apprentice rate to a 20-year-old apprentice who has completed their first year -- is one of the most common National Minimum Wage compliance failures identified by HMRC's enforcement team, and can result in the employer being named on HMRC's public list of minimum wage underpayers, alongside a penalty of up to 200% of the arrears owed and a requirement to repay all back pay. Apprentices are also entitled to at least 20 days of paid holiday plus bank holidays, off-the-job training time (usually at least 20% of normal working hours for those on an approved apprenticeship standard), and the same statutory rights as other employees, including Statutory Sick Pay where eligible. The apprentice rate does not apply to apprentices employed on a genuine work-based training scheme that is not a recognised apprenticeship, nor to students on unpaid work experience placements, both of which are covered by separate NMW exemptions.