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<p>One of the core principles of an apprenticeship is that it is a paid job with training,
allowing apprentices to earn while they learn, and it is treated accordingly in the
benefit system. Apprentices are not required to pay for their training or assessment.</p><p>
</p><p>A young person on an apprenticeship will receive at least the apprentice national
minimum wage, which increased to £3.70 per hour in April 2018. In England, the mean
pay for level 2 apprentices is £6.69; the level 2 median pay is £6.35. The mean pay
rate for level 3 apprentices is £7.38; the level 3 median pay is £7.10.</p><p> </p><p>We
are not currently considering extending the scope of Care to Learn, student financial
support including the 16-19 Bursary Fund or the Childcare Grant to apprenticeships
as they are classed as paid contractual employment with training.</p><p> </p><p>We
are creating an apprenticeship system that is open to a wide range of people. As we
continue to reform the apprenticeships system we will keep our funding for apprentices
with additional needs under review.</p><p> </p><p>For apprentices claiming benefits
in their own right, financial support is available for those on low incomes. Eligible
apprentices may be able to claim Universal Credit or Tax Credits to help with living
costs. Universal Credit is also an in-work benefit, so claimants in work on low wages,
including apprentices under contract, can continue to claim support for housing. Parents
of apprentices are not, however, eligible to claim Child Benefit, as apprentices,
like other employees, earn a wage.</p><p> </p><p>In addition, an apprentice may be
entitled to the usual in-work benefits, such as Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credits.
If an apprentice has children, is aged 16 or over and does paid work of at least 16
hours a week then they could qualify for tax credits, unless they are already earning
£25,000 per year or more. Statutory Sick Pay is paid on the basis of the level of
earnings in the relevant period. Disabled apprentices may be entitled to Access to
Work payments to help with any support needed to do their job such as assistive technology
or an assistant.</p>
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