NMWM03065 - National Minimum Wage rates: the apprentice rate and the guaranteed minimum weekly rate for apprentices

Relevant legislation
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
England
Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland

Relevant legislation

The legislation that applies to this page is as follows:

  • Learning and Skills Act 2000 as amended by the Further Education and Training Act 2007
  • National Minimum Wage Regulations 2015, regulation 4A(1)(d) & 5

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

From 1 October 2010 a new National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices (NMWM05230) was introduced for apprentices under 19 years of age and apprentices aged 19 and over who are in the first year of their apprenticeship. Prior to 1 October 2010 such apprentices did not qualify for the National Minimum Wage. The position changed from 1 October 2010 and these apprentices qualify for the National Minimum Wage at the apprentice rate for pay reference periods starting on or after 1 October 2010.

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England

Until 31 March 2010 the Learning and Skills Council was responsible for funding and planning training for over 16 years old in England. However, from 1 April 2010, The Apprenticeship, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 transferred the functions of the Learning and Skills Council to local authorities, the Young Persons Learning Agency and the Skills Funding Agency following a period of transitional arrangements. The National Apprenticeship Service now has overall responsibility for promoting and supporting apprenticeships in England.

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Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland

There are similar schemes in place for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. All of these schemes fall within the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils.