The short version
- First yearAt least £8.00 an hour (April 2026 rate).
- After year oneIf you're 19 or over, the normal minimum wage for your age.
- Age 21+£12.71 an hour once your first year is done.
- Training timePaid. College and off-the-job training count as working hours.
- Rates changeEvery April. Check gov.uk for the latest figures.
Apprentices earn while they learn, but the legal minimum starts low. The good news is that it rises quickly for adults, and many construction firms pay more than the minimum. Here's what the law says and what to expect.
Minimum rates from April 2026
| Who | Minimum per hour |
|---|---|
| Apprentice under 19, or 19+ in first year | £8.00 |
| Apprentice aged 18–20, after first year | £10.85 |
| Apprentice aged 21+, after first year | £12.71 |
| Apprentice aged 16–17 | £8.00 |
These rates run from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. New rates take effect each April. Source: gov.uk minimum wage rates.
What that means a year
| Hourly rate | 37.5 hours a week, 52 weeks |
|---|---|
| £8.00 | About £15,600 |
| £10.85 | About £21,160 |
| £12.71 | About £24,780 |
Figures are before tax and National Insurance. Many apprentices earn less tax than this suggests because of the personal allowance.
Your rights as an apprentice
- Paid training. Time at college or on off-the-job training is paid like normal work.
- Holidays. At least 20 days a year plus bank holidays, the same as other employees.
- A proper contract. You're an employee, with an apprenticeship agreement and a training plan.
- Underpaid? Speak to your employer first, then contact Acas or report it to HMRC.
What construction apprentices actually earn
Plenty of firms pay above the minimum, especially in trades short of workers such as electrical, plumbing and bricklaying. Pay usually rises each year as you progress. Once you qualify, earnings jump: qualified tradespeople typically earn well above the National Living Wage, and many go self-employed later.
Adults changing career: the first year at £8.00 is the hard part. Budget for it, and ask employers what they pay. Many offer more to adults with relevant experience.
Quick answers
What is the apprentice minimum wage?
£8.00 an hour from April 2026. It applies if you're under 19, or 19 and over and in the first year of your apprenticeship.
When does my pay go up?
If you're 19 or over, you're owed the normal minimum wage for your age once you finish your first year. Under-19s move up when they turn 19 or finish year one, whichever comes later.
Do apprentices get paid for college days?
Yes. Off-the-job training, including college, counts as paid working time.
Do apprentices pay tax?
Yes, like any employee, but only on earnings above the personal allowance.