EMPLOYER INCENTIVE GUIDE FOR APPRENTICES Funding changes are coming, now is the time to plan your apprentice recruitment
26/27
FUNDING & SUPPORT AVAILABLE TO YOUR BUSINESS: £1,000 APPRENTICE PAYMENT
£2,000 SME INCENTIVE
For employers hiring apprentices aged 16–18
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)
AVAILABLE NOW
Paid in 2 instalments: • First payment: around day 90 • Second payment: after 12 months (or earlier if programme is shorter)
NEW FROM OCTOBER 2026
£2,000 FOUNDATION APPRENTICESHIP INCENTIVE 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
AVAILABLE NOW
£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
NEW – AUTUMN ROLL-OUT
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