Good news for small and medium sized businesses!
The new £2,000 Apprenticeship Hiring Payment is now available for eligible non-levy paying employers recruiting young apprentices.
From 1 October 2026, eligible employers can receive up to £2,000 for each new apprentice aged 16-24 they take on.
Who is eligible?
The payment is available to employers who do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy and recruit a new apprentice who:
- Is aged 16-24 at the start of their apprenticeship training
- Starts their apprenticeship from 1 October 2026 onwards
- Has started their employment with the business no more than 90 days before the apprenticeship training begins
How will the £2,000 be paid?
The payment is made in two £1,000 instalments through the apprenticeship training provider.
The first £1,000 is paid once the apprentice has completed 90 days of their apprenticeship. The second £1,000 is paid after one year, or after 242 days where the apprenticeship is shorter than 12 months.
The apprentice must still be employed by the business when each payment is due.
The payment can be used towards costs associated with employing the apprentice, such as equipment, travel or uniform.
Even more support for young apprentices
The £2,000 hiring payment comes alongside other government support. For eligible 16-24 year old apprentices employed by non-levy paying businesses, the government will also fund 100% of apprenticeship training and assessment costs, up to relevant funding band maximum.
This makes taking on a young apprentice an even more attractive option for SMEs looking to grow their workforce, develop new talent and invest in the future.
Thinking about taking on an apprentice?
PTP Training can help you understand the funding available, find the right apprenticeship programme and support you throughout the process.
📞03332 408302
✉️skills@ptp-training.co.uk
Get in touch today to find out whether your business could be eligible for the £2,000 Apprenticeship Hiring Payment.