Increase to the apprenticeship wage announced in the Autumn Statement from Ryan Longmate, Managing Director of Positive Outcomes, one of the UK’s leading providers of apprenticeships and work based training.

Ryan Longmate, Managing Director at Positive Outcomes comments:

“The announced rise in minimum wage for apprentices is a welcome move and helps to make apprenticeships a more attractive career path for young adults considering their next steps in life. One of the persistent myths surrounding apprenticeships is that they’re low paying, but that simply isn’t the case the majority of the time. Many employers are willing to pay more than the minimum wage, and this increase, which is higher than most other wage increases announced by the chancellor (and on top of the 10p rise in October), is further evidence of the importance placed upon apprenticeships by the Government.

A recent report from Barclays suggested that in some industries, apprentices’ life time earnings can be as much as 270% more than graduates. The minimum wage increase will help to give more financial incentive at the start of a career, which will in turn help more apprentices achieve long term career success.

Businesses are also set to benefit from the Apprenticeship Levy in April, which sees them receiving a £1000 payment for employing 16-18 year olds. Coupling this up with a rise in wages, sees both employee and employer gaining from Government policies. 

Apprenticeships are a wonderful way of moulding young talent to suit business needs and we’re pleased that the Government is continuing to recognise and support this.”