Taking on an apprentice
Training is free for apprentices under 25, there's no employer National Insurance on most of their pay, and from October 2026 small employers get £2,000 for hiring a 16 to 24 year old.
Roughly worth: £2,000 hiring payment, free training for under-25s, no employer NI up to £50,270
First step: Open an apprenticeship service account and talk to a local training provider.
Who it is for
Any employer with a pay bill under £3 million taking on an apprentice through an approved training provider. The £2,000 is for 16 to 24 year olds whose training starts on or after 1 October 2026. For apprentices aged 25 or over, you now pay 25% of the training cost.
How to get it
Set up an apprenticeship service account, pick a standard and a training provider. The £2,000 is paid through your provider in two halves, with no separate application.
Run by Department for Education. Last checked 14 October 2026 against the official source.