EMPLOYER INCENTIVE GUIDE FOR APPRENTICES
Funding changes are coming, now is the time to plan your apprentice recruitment
£2,000 FOUNDATION APPRENTICESHIP INCENTIVE NEW FROM OCTOBER 2026 NEW – AUTUMN ROLL-OUT AVAILABLE NOW 26/27 AVAILABLE NOW FUNDING & SUPPORT AVAILABLE TO YOUR BUSINESS:
£1,000 APPRENTICE PAYMENT £2,000 SME INCENTIVE
For employers hiring apprentices aged 16–18
Paid in 2 instalments:
• First payment: around day 90
• Second payment: after 12 months (or earlier if programme is shorter)
For SMEs hiring apprentices aged 16–24 New employee (within 3 months)
Paid in 2 instalments:
• First payment: around day 90
• Second payment: after 12 months (or earlier if programme is shorter)
For employers hiring foundation apprentices (16–21)
Paid in 3 instalments:
• First payment: around day 90
• Mid-point (8 months)
• Final payment linked to progression of student to their next apprenticeship
£3,000 UNIVERSAL CREDIT INCENTIVE
For employers hiring 18–24-year-olds on Universal Credit (6+ months)
Paid in 2 early-stage instalments
• Typically, within the first few months of employment
• Designed to support initial hiring costs
Speak to us to find out what your business could access. Our team is on hand to guide you every step of the way.
Email - apprenticeships@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk Tel - 01924 789469