What is the minimum wage for apprentices?

The National Minimum Wage Regulations 2015 set a specific apprentice rate (currently £7.55 per hour as of April 2025). This rate applies to apprentices aged under 19, or those aged 19 or over who are in the first year of their apprenticeship. After the first year (and once aged 19+), the apprentice must be paid at least the age-appropriate National Minimum Wage rate. Many employers pay above the minimum rate to attract quality candidates.

How much off-the-job training is required?

Under the current ESFA apprenticeship funding rules, an apprentice must receive at least 6 hours per week of off-the-job training (for a full-time apprentice). This training must take place during paid working hours and must be directly relevant to the apprenticeship standard. It can include classroom teaching, online learning, practical training, mentoring and study time.

What is the minimum duration of an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship must last a minimum of 12 months under the ESFA funding rules. Most apprenticeships last between 12 and 48 months depending on the level and apprenticeship standard. Level 2 apprenticeships are typically 12-18 months, Level 3 are 18-24 months, and higher/degree apprenticeships can be 3-6 years.

Can I dismiss an apprentice?

Yes, but with caution. Apprentices are employees and have the same statutory employment rights as other employees, including protection from unfair dismissal (after two years) and discrimination (from day one). You should follow ACAS guidance and give the apprentice reasonable support and time to improve before considering dismissal. You must also notify the Training Provider and ESFA if the apprenticeship ends early.

What is a commitment statement?

A commitment statement is a document required by the ESFA funding rules, signed by the employer, the apprentice (or parent/guardian if under 18), and the training provider. It must include the planned content and schedule of training, the apprenticeship standard being followed, the expected end date, the roles and responsibilities of each party, and how the apprenticeship is being funded. It must be in place at the start of the apprenticeship.

Do apprentices get holiday?

Yes. Apprentices are entitled to the same statutory minimum of 5.6 weeks (28 days for a full-time worker) of paid annual leave under the Working Time Regulations 1998. Many employers offer the same holiday entitlement to apprentices as to other employees. Holiday entitlement starts from day one.

Free Apprenticeship Agreement Template (UK)

An apprenticeship agreement is a legally required document that sets out the terms of an approved English apprenticeship between an employer and an apprentice.

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Employer Details

Employer Name*

Employer Address*

Company Registration Number

Employee Details

Apprentice Name*

Apprentice Address*

Apprentice Date of Birth*

Terms

Training Provider Name*

Apprenticeship Standard / Framework*

Skill, Trade or Occupation*

Apprenticeship Start Date*

Expected End Date*

Duration*

Hours Per Week (Including Training)*

Off-the-Job Training Hours Per Week*

Place of Work*

Annual Holiday Entitlement (Days)*

Payment Details

Annual Wage (Gross)*

Document Preview

APPRENTICESHIP AGREEMENT (Approved English Apprenticeship) Dated: [startDate] This Agreement is made pursuant to Section A1 of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009. PARTIES: (1) [employerName], whose registered office is at [employerAddress] (the "Employer"); and (2) [apprenticeName], of [apprenticeAddress], date of birth [apprenticeDateOfBirth] (the "Apprentice"). IT IS AGREED as follows: 1. APPRENTICESHIP 1.1 This is an approved English apprenticeship agreement within the meaning of Section A1 of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009. 1.2 The Apprentice shall undertake training in the skill, trade or occupation of [skillTradeOccupation] in accordance with the [apprenticeshipStandard] apprenticeship standard. 1.3 The training shall be delivered in partnership with [trainingProvider] (the "Training Provider"). 2. DURATION 2.1 The apprenticeship shall commence on [startDate] and is expected to end on [expectedEndDate], a total duration of [duration]. 2.2 The apprenticeship shall last for a minimum of 12 months in accordance with the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) funding rules. 2.3 The apprenticeship shall end when the Apprentice has completed the end-point assessment and achieved the apprenticeship standard, or when this agreement is terminated in accordance with clause 11. 3. EMPLOYMENT STATUS 3.1 The Apprentice is employed by the Employer as an employee. This agreement constitutes a contract of employment and a written statement of employment particulars as required by Section 1 of the Employment Rights Act 1996. 3.2 The Apprentice is entitled to all statutory employment rights applicable to employees. 4. DUTIES 4.1 The Apprentice shall: (a) Diligently carry out all tasks and duties assigned by the Employer; (b) Attend all training sessions and assessments as required; (c) Complete all coursework, assignments and assessments to the best of their ability; (d) Keep a training log or portfolio as required by the Training Provider; (e) Follow all reasonable instructions of the Employer and the Training Provider; (f) Comply with the Employer's policies, procedures and rules. 5. PLACE OF WORK 5.1 The Apprentice's normal place of work shall be [workplace]. 5.2 The Apprentice shall attend the Training Provider's premises or other locations as required for off-the-job training. 6. HOURS OF WORK 6.1 The Apprentice's normal working hours shall be [hoursPerWeek] hours per week, including time spent on off-the-job training. 6.2 The Apprentice shall not be required to work more than 40 hours per week on average. If the Apprentice is under 18, the Working Time Regulations 1998 impose additional restrictions. 7. OFF-THE-JOB TRAINING 7.1 The Apprentice shall receive at least [offTheJobTrainingHours] hours per week of off-the-job training, in accordance with the ESFA apprenticeship funding rules. 7.2 Off-the-job training is learning that takes place outside the normal day-to-day working environment and leads towards the achievement of the apprenticeship standard. It may include classroom teaching, online learning, shadowing, mentoring, practical training and study time. 7.3 The Employer shall release the Apprentice from their normal duties to attend off-the-job training and shall not require the Apprentice to make up the training time. 7.4 Off-the-job training hours count as paid working time. 8. REMUNERATION 8.1 The Apprentice shall be paid a wage of [wage] per annum (gross), payable monthly in arrears by bank transfer. 8.2 The wage shall not be less than the applicable National Minimum Wage for apprentices, as set under the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 and the National Minimum Wage Regulations 2015. The apprentice rate applies to apprentices aged under 19, or aged 19 or over in the first year of their apprenticeship. After the first year (and once aged 19 or over), the age-appropriate National Minimum Wage rate applies. 8.3 The Employer shall review the Apprentice's wage annually. 9. HOLIDAY 9.1 The Apprentice is entitled to [holidayEntitlement] days' paid annual leave per year, inclusive of public and bank holidays. 10. SICKNESS 10.1 If the Apprentice is unable to attend work or training due to illness, they must notify the Employer as soon as practicable. 10.2 The Apprentice shall be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay subject to meeting the qualifying conditions. 11. TERMINATION 11.1 During the first two months, either party may terminate this agreement by giving one week's written notice. 11.2 After the first two months, either party may terminate by giving one month's written notice. 11.3 The Employer may terminate this agreement without notice in cases of gross misconduct. 11.4 The Employer shall not terminate this agreement solely on the grounds that the Apprentice is not progressing as quickly as expected, without first providing additional support and following a fair process in accordance with ACAS guidance. 11.5 If this agreement is terminated early, the Employer shall notify the Training Provider and the ESFA. 12. END-POINT ASSESSMENT 12.1 The Apprentice must successfully complete the end-point assessment (EPA) to achieve the apprenticeship standard. 12.2 The Employer shall support the Apprentice in preparing for the EPA, including providing study time and access to necessary resources. 13. HEALTH AND SAFETY 13.1 The Employer shall ensure the Apprentice's health and safety in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. 13.2 Where the Apprentice is under 18, the Employer shall conduct a specific risk assessment in accordance with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. 14. CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA PROTECTION 14.1 The Apprentice shall keep confidential all information of a confidential nature obtained during the apprenticeship. 14.2 The Employer shall process the Apprentice's personal data in accordance with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. 15. GENERAL 15.1 This agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties. 15.2 A separate commitment statement shall be signed by the Employer, the Apprentice and the Training Provider. 15.3 This agreement shall be governed by the laws of England and Wales. SIGNED by or on behalf of the Employer: ___________________________ For and on behalf of [employerName] Date: SIGNED by the Apprentice: ___________________________ [apprenticeName] Date:

Important Notes

Legal Disclaimer

Apprenticeship agreements are governed by Section A1 of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (as inserted by Section 22 of the Enterprise Act 2016). The agreement must state that the apprentice is undertaking an approved English apprenticeship and identify the apprenticeship standard. Apprentices are employees and must be paid at least the apprentice National Minimum Wage rate under the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 and the National Minimum Wage Regulations 2015. The apprentice rate (currently £7.55 per hour as of April 2025) applies to apprentices under 19 or those 19+ in their first year; thereafter the age-appropriate rate applies. The ESFA apprenticeship funding rules require a minimum duration of 12 months, at least 6 hours per week of off-the-job training (or 20% of paid hours), and a signed commitment statement. For apprentices under 18, additional Working Time Regulations 1998 restrictions apply (maximum 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, no night work). The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require specific risk assessments for young workers.

This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For complex legal matters, we recommend consulting a qualified solicitor.