In March 2015, the government announced that the National Minimum Wage for apprentices will increase from £2.73 to £3.30 per hour. The new wage will become effective from October 2015. Employers will be required to pay any new apprentice the new wage, while increasing the wage of existing apprentices.
This change brings the Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage much closer to the National Minimum Wage for 16-17-years-olds of £3.87. At Runway Training we welcome this change as we feel this will make apprenticeship vacancies offering this wage more attractive.
This increase in wage will no doubt have a great reception as the increase of 57p per hour recognises the costs that many apprentices have including transport, accommodation and general living costs.
Runway Training encourage all employers we work with across Kent and Sussex to offer a higher wage than this, where possible, taking in to consideration the local area and the demands of the job role itself. Often employers will offer a wage equivalent to or higher than the National Minimum Wage for the age group.
For more information on the changes to the National Minimum Wage, click here to be redirected to GOV.UK