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Are you an Apprentice? Make sure you are paid correct

Andrew McCall

It’s good to understand your rights and how to check your are paid correct

Starting an apprenticeship is challenging enough without having to worry about whether you are being paid correctly. Here, we will cover advice from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and what you are entitled to as an apprentice.

How do I check the National Minimum Wage?

It’s quick and easy to check the current National Minimum Wage (NMW) on the HMRC website.

What hourly rate am I entitled to?

All workers should be paid at least The National Minimum Wage, and this includes you. The current Apprenticeship rate of £6.40 per hour is increasing to £7.55 on 1st April 2025.

Is there a difference between the NMW and Apprenticeship Wage?

There are different minimum rates of pay for Apprentices depending on your age and what year of apprenticeship you are in. Let’s break that down for you:

  • Under 18 years of age? - £6.40 per hour (increasing to £7.55)

  • Aged 18 and over AND within the first year of your apprenticeship? - £6.40 per hour

  • Aged 18 and over AND have completed the first year of your apprenticeship? - You will be intitled to the National Minimum Wage for your age (see below)

Still confused? Here’s are some examples.

  • An apprentice aged 17, regardless of the year of their apprenticeship, is entitled to at least £6.40 per hour.

  • An Apprentice who turns 18 during the second year of their apprenticeship will be entitled to the hourly rate of £8.60.

  • A 20-year-old apprentice who is in the first year of the apprenticeship will receive at least the minimum hourly rate of £6.40 per hour.

  • A 20-year-old apprentice who has completed the first year of an apprenticeship is entitled to at least the minimum hourly rate of £8.60.

  • An Apprentice aged 31 who is in the first year of your apprenticeship will receive at least the minimum hourly rate of £6.40.

  • A 31-year-old apprentice who has completed the first year of an apprenticeship is entitled to at least the minimum hourly rate of £11.40.

How do I check my salary?

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Your employer will provide you with a contract of employment or an employment agreement which will confirm your rate of pay. Some payslips can be tough to read at first, so don’t be afraid to ask for help from a member of management or your team. You can also the HMRC handy National Minimum Wage calculator.

Why should I check my payslips?

Your employer will always do their best to make sure you are paid correct. However, mistakes can be made. Once you know your rate of pay is correct you can work out any overtime you have worked ensuring you have been paid for all of your work. You can check pay using the HMRC website ‘Check Your Pay Link’.

Some mistakes that can happen:

  • It can sometimes be missed when you reach a certain birthday milestone and your pay does not increase in line with NMW. Again this will depend on your age and stage of the Apprenticeship as outlined above.

  • You must only be paid the apprenticeship rate for the duration of your apprenticeship. Once you have completed your apprenticeship you should be paid in line with the National Minimum Wage for your age. Please note, if you are under 18 the NMW is the same as the Apprenticeship rate.

  • If you are asked to pay for certain items, such as uniforms, and not reimbursed. This will take you under the NMW.

What if I’m still not sure?

If you think you may be underpaid or unsure if you are receiving the correct salary, there are a few things you can do: