Apprenticeship Employer Incentives 2026
Take advantage of this opportunity to grow your Early Years team, recruit new talent, develop your existing staff, and build a skilled workforce for the future.
Take Advantage of Apprenticeship Incentives
From October 2026, eligible employers could receive a £2,000 incentive for recruiting an apprentice aged 16–24. Eligible employers recruiting a 16–18-year-old may also qualify for an additional £1,000, giving eligible employers the opportunity to receive up to £3,000 in total incentives.
From 1 August 2026: No employer contribution for eligible 16–24-year-old apprentices, making apprenticeships more affordable.
Funding Explained
Government funding for apprenticeships helps employers and learners access high-quality, industry-relevant training by covering the costs of apprenticeship training and end-point assessment. This makes apprenticeships more accessible to employers, while giving learners the opportunity to gain valuable skills, qualifications and workplace experience.
The employer contribution is the amount an employer may need to pay towards the cost of apprenticeship training and assessment. The level of contribution depends on whether the employer is a levy or non-levy payer and, for non-levy employers, the age of the apprentice. The contribution may cover part or all of the training costs for the apprenticeship.
The new employer hiring incentive is a government payment to eligible employers who recruit a 16–24-year-old apprentice. It is designed to encourage employers to create more apprenticeship opportunities for young people. For learners aged 16-18, or aged 19-24 with an EHCP, the employer will also receive an additional payment towards the additional cost associated with training.
How We Can Support Your Business
Free recruitment service covering advertising, sourcing, screening and shortlisting
Employment law advice, impartial early years consultancy and industry news
A team of knowledgeable, experienced and dedicated tutors offering 1-1 support
Access to a wealth of free resources, such as blog and magazine
Wellbeing and pastoral support for staff, and impartial careers advice and planning
Online learning platforms and portfolio system with access to classroom facilities
Benefits of Hiring an Apprentice
Develop a Skilled Workforce Tailored to Your Needs: Apprenticeships provide a structured training programme that allows you to mould a workforce with the specific skillsets you require. You have a direct influence on shaping their knowledge and experience.
Cost-Effective: Hiring an apprentice is a cost-effective way to support the development of new skills in your business. Depending on your business size and eligibility, most apprenticeship training costs are either fully or partially (95%) funded by the government. Additionally, employers could be eligible for incentive payments if they hire an eligible apprentice.
Increased Staff Retention: Apprentices often develop a strong sense of loyalty to the organisation that invested in their training, leading to higher retention rates. Offering apprenticeships can create clear career progression pathways within your organisation, helping to retain talent.
Qualified Workforce: As apprentices work towards gaining an industry-recognised qualification, they contribute to ensuring that your staff meets the necessary regulatory requirements for early years education and care.
Employer Information
Need more information about hiring an apprentice? We’ve got all the details for you here. Discover how we can support your business through early years apprenticeship training and the advantages it provides.
Interested in recruiting an apprentice?
If you are interested in recruiting an apprentice, please contact us through phone, email or our website for more information. Our dedicated team will support you from from initial enquiry through to completion.
Take advantage of this opportunity to grow your Early Years team, recruit new talent, develop your existing staff, and build a skilled workforce for the future.