WHAT ARE APPRENTICE HIRING INCENTIVES AND
WHY THEY MATTER
Hiring an apprentice can be a cost-effective way to bring new talent into your organisation while developing the skills your business needs.
A range of payments, grants and funding support may be available to employers recruiting eligible apprentices. Depending on the circumstances of both the employer and apprentice, this can include hiring payments, employment grants, fully funded apprenticeship training and National Insurance savings.
In some circumstances, eligible employers and apprentices may qualify for more than one form of support, helping reduce the overall cost of recruitment and development.
Understanding what is available – and the eligibility criteria attached to each incentive – can help employers make more informed hiring decisions and take advantage of the right support.
At Momentous Learning, we help employers understand their apprenticeship options, recruit new talent and deliver apprenticeship training aligned with real business needs.
PAYMENTS AND GRANTS AVAILABLE
Depending on the employer and apprentice circumstances, different forms of financial support may be available.
Eligibility criteria apply. Payments and grants depend on individual and employer circumstances.
£1,000
Additional Payment
For apprentices aged 16–18, or eligible 19–24-year-olds, including those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or eligible care leavers.
£2,000
Hiring Payment
For eligible non-levy employers hiring apprentices aged 16–24, for apprenticeship starts from 1 October 2026.
£3,000
Youth Jobs Grant
For employers hiring eligible 18–24-year-olds who have been out of work and receiving Universal Credit for six months.
MORE WAYS TO REDUCE THE COST OF HIRING
Financial support goes beyond direct payments and grants. Depending on eligibility, employers may also be able to reduce the cost of apprenticeship training and employment, while some apprentices can access additional financial support themselves.
Fully Funded Apprenticeship Training
From 1 August 2026, eligible apprenticeship starts for young people aged 16–24 may receive fully funded training – helping employers develop new talent without carrying the full cost of apprenticeship training.
No Employer National Insurance
Employers do not pay Class 1 National Insurance contributions for eligible apprentices under 25 earning below £50,270, providing an additional saving on the cost of employment.
Additional Support for Care Leavers
Eligible apprentices who are, or have previously been, in local authority care may also be entitled to a £3,000 Care Leavers Bursary. This bursary is paid directly to the apprentice, rather than the employer.
FIND THE RIGHT APPRENTICE WITH MOMENTOUS LEARNING
Financial support can make hiring an apprentice more affordable. Finding the right person is just as important.
Our FREE Apprentice Recruitment Service helps employers save time and find suitable talent.
We can help you:
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Advertise your apprenticeship vacancy
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Pre-screen applicants
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Provide a shortlist of suitable candidates
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Support your new recruit onto their apprenticeship programme
From recruitment through to training and development, we'll support you every step of the way.
MAKE HIRING AN APPRENTICE WORK FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Apprenticeships can help you bring new talent into your organisation, address skills gaps and develop people around the needs of your business.
With the right financial support, recruitment and training in place, you can make your apprenticeship investment go further.
Build Capability
Develop practical skills that make a real difference in the workplace.
Cost-Effective Growth
Make the most of available financial support and funded training.
Reduce Recruitment Admin
Let us support the recruitment process and help you find suitable candidates.
Develop for the Long Term
Build skills and capability around the future needs of your organisation.
WANT TO KNOW WHICH INCENTIVES YOUR ORGANISATION COULD ACCESS?
Speak to our team about your recruitment plans and explore the apprenticeship support that may be available to you.