Myth-buster #9: Apprenticeship training for 16-18 year olds IS fully funded
Posted on: 16th Jun 2025
Apprenticeships 
Approximately one in 50 UK businesses are required to pay the apprenticeship levy to ensure training costs are funded.
But are you aware 100% of UK businesses can access completely free apprenticeship training for employees aged 16-18?
Apprenticeship training in the UK for 16-18 year olds is fully funded by the government
In our final myth-busting article, we consider how employers can take advantage of disused levy funds from levy-paying organisations to help them build a fit and competent workforce for the future.
Before we dive in, it’s important to note apprenticeship training is funded for all learners – including those aged 19 or older. You can read more about how funding via the levy works in our second myth-buster blog which can be read here.
Busting the myth
It might come as a surprise, but people aged 16-18 made up a minority figure when breaking down apprenticeship starts in the UK between September 2024 and January 2025.
The number of starts by age group were:
- 25+: 88,810
- 19-24: 57,240
- U19: 56,470
For existing employees aged 16-18, the cost of enrolling them onto an apprenticeship is £0. For new employees, the financial commitment of the employer stretches only to paying the apprenticeship minimum wage – £7.55 per hour for those aged under 19.
Financial support
The government wants businesses to realise the true potential of investing in apprenticeships.
It’s why training for those aged 16-18 is funded in its entirety. Furthermore, employers who enrol new and existing staff aged 16-18 onto an apprenticeship programme can access a £1,000 grant.
This grant can be used to cover any costs an employer wishes – salary, travel costs or uniform.
Case study
Jessica Tripp joined sports coaching company Sport4Kids aged 18, and later enrolled onto Level 4 Sports Coach apprenticeship.
By combining full-time employment with training tailored to her role, Jessica was promoted to Head of PE aged 20 and coaches football programmes across Reading, Slough and Windsor.
“I feel like it’s easy to be stereotypical about apprenticeships if you have never studied one before,” said Jessica. “They’re open to people of all ages and personally I’ve met and worked with colleagues and tutors who have been so helpful in progressing my career.
“If anyone is considering a career change or will be leaving school or college at the end of the year, I couldn’t recommend an apprenticeship enough. They offer real-life experience which is so valuable, and you learn from knowledgeable tutors who are there to offer advice.
“I’ve developed contacts in the industry too all while getting paid, it’s a win-win!”
Invest in the power of apprenticeships
So, now you know training for apprentices aged 16-18 is entirely FREE for all businesses.
It’s our ninth and final myth-buster theme regarding modern-day apprenticeships which deliver outstanding value and opportunities for organisations wishing to invest in their colleagues, growth and workplace.
You can read all our myth-buster articles by visiting our news page hub here.
Alternatively, if you’d like to speak to one of our team and learn how apprenticeships might work for your business, drop us a line today.
Email: hello@ignitetraininguk.com
Call: 0300 303 0890
