Apprenticeship Funding
Apprenticeship funding can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be. This page walks you through the funding available, what your business may need to contribute and any additional payments you could receive.
Apprenticeship funding explained
You can receive government funding towards the cost of apprenticeship training and assessment. The amount your business contributes depends on whether you pay the Growth and Skills Levy and the apprentice’s age on their apprenticeship start date.
The following funding arrangements apply to apprenticeships starting from 1st August 2026.
How much will your business contribute?
Your contribution depends on whether your business pays the Growth and Skills Levy. Select the option that applies to your business to understand how the training and assessment costs will be funded.
If your annual pay bill is below £3 million:
- The government will fund 100% of the training and assessment costs for apprentices aged 16 to 24.
- For apprentices aged 25 or over, you will pay 5% of the training and assessment costs, with the government funding the remaining 95%.
Your contribution will depend on the cost of the apprenticeship but is typically around £950 for our Fire, Emergency and Security Systems Technician Apprenticeship.
If your annual pay bill is over £3 million, apprenticeship training and assessment costs are normally funded through your Growth and Skills Levy account.
If there are insufficient funds in your account:
- The government will fund 100% of the remaining training and assessment costs for apprentices aged 16 to 24.
- For apprentices aged 25 or over, you will pay 25% of the remaining costs, with the government funding 75%.
Funding eligibility is based on the apprentice’s age on their apprenticeship start date.
£2,000 hiring payment
From 1st October 2026, eligible non-levy employers may receive a £2,000 hiring payment when recruiting a new apprentice aged 16 to 24.
To qualify, the apprentice must have joined your business within the 90 days before their apprenticeship start date.
Payments are generated once the apprentice reaches the relevant points in their programme. Skills for Security will pass each payment to the employer within 30 working days of receiving it from the government.
Additional £1,000 payment
Employers may also receive an additional £1,000 to support an apprentice in the workplace if, on their apprenticeship start date, they are:
- Aged 16 to 18; or
- Aged 19 to 24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan or experience of local authority care.
The apprentice’s eligibility is based on their age and circumstances on their apprenticeship start date, rather than when they were recruited.
Employer responsibilities
Apprentices must be employed and paid at least the lawful minimum wage. They should receive the same statutory employment rights as other employees, including paid holiday.
Their employment must begin at least one day before their apprenticeship start date, and they must spend at least 50% of their working hours in England. This also applies to remote and hybrid workers.
Funding arrangements can vary depending on the apprentice’s circumstances and start date. Our team will confirm the costs and funding available before the apprenticeship begins.