Last updated: July 2026
Hiring an apprentice is one of the smartest ways to grow your workforce in 2026. Alongside developing loyal, skilled employees, many employers can also benefit from valuable government funding and apprenticeship employer incentives that significantly reduce recruitment and training costs.
With the Major Youth Employment Drive that was announced earlier this year, whether you’re a small business, a growing company, or an established employer, it is worth understanding exactly what support is available right now, and what’s coming later this year.
Ready to develop your team and get financial support? Get in touch!
What Apprenticeship Employer Incentives Are Available Today?
£1,000 Employer Payment You can receive a £1,000 government payment (in two instalments) when recruiting an eligible apprentice who is:
- Aged 16–18, or
- Aged 19–24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), or
- Aged 19–24 who has been in local authority care.
Our team can quickly check eligibility for your business.
Government-Funded Training For many apprentices, the Government covers up to 100% of training and assessment costs. Read the official guidance on gov.uk. This makes high-quality, nationally recognised training far more affordable, especially for younger learners and those with EHCPs.
National Insurance Savings Employers do not pay Class 1 National Insurance contributions for eligible apprentices under the age of 25 (on qualifying earnings), which delivers real savings throughout the apprenticeship.
Coming Soon: £2,000 SME Apprenticeship Incentive (October 2026)
The Government is introducing a new £2,000 incentive for eligible small and medium-sized businesses recruiting apprentices aged 16–24.
This is a major opportunity for local employers. Now is the perfect time to start planning with us so you’re ready to take full advantage when it launches.
Can Employers Receive More Than One Type of Support?
Yes — many can stack multiple incentives. Depending on your business size, the apprentice, and eligibility, you could benefit from several forms of support at once (for example, the £1,000 payment + funded training + NI savings + the upcoming £2,000 incentive).
Our team will help you understand exactly what your business qualifies for. Get in touch with us today.
Why Hire an Apprentice?
Employer incentives are important, but the real value goes much deeper. Employers consistently tell us that apprentices help them:
- Develop loyal, skilled employees trained to their exact standards
- Fill recruitment gaps with motivated local talent
- Improve productivity and bring fresh ideas
- Build a strong talent pipeline for the future
An apprenticeship is an investment in your business, not just filling today’s vacancy.
How Central Training Academy Can Help
Recruiting and supporting an apprentice doesn’t need to be complicated. At Central Training Academy we deliver high-quality, industry-relevant training that equips apprentices with the practical skills and knowledge your business needs.
Our team provides full end-to-end support, including:
- Recruiting suitable candidates who are a great fit for your team
- Advertising vacancies and shortlisting applicants
- Explaining available government funding and checking incentive eligibility
- Managing paperwork and enrolment
- Delivering high-quality, structured training programmes
- Providing ongoing mentoring and retention support
We’re here to make the entire process as smooth as possible so you can focus on growing your business while benefiting from well-trained, productive apprentices. Get started today by completing this form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can small businesses hire apprentices? Yes. Many small businesses successfully recruit apprentices each year and may be eligible for government support.
Do employers pay for apprenticeship training? In many cases, apprenticeship training is funded by the Government. The level of funding depends on your circumstances.
Can I recruit more than one apprentice? Yes. Many employers recruit multiple apprentices as their business grows.
How do I know what funding I’m eligible for? Our team can explain the support currently available and help identify which incentives may apply to your business.
What if I already have staff I’d like to develop? Apprenticeships aren’t just for new recruits. They can also be used to upskill existing employees. 👉 Read: Upskill Your Employees with Apprenticeships
Ready to Claim Your Incentives?
Ready to Claim Your Incentives?With existing incentives already in place and new funding arriving later this year, there has never been a better time to hire an apprentice.
📩 Use the contact form below to find out what support your business could be eligible for. We’d love to hear from you.
