UP TO £3,000 TO GROW YOUR NURSERY TEAM

Hiring an apprentice aged 16–24? We'll help you check which incentives your nursery could receive.

Need help finding an apprentice? We can help with that too.

An apprentice brings fresh energy to your team and can grow with you.

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The incentives explained

Young apprentice payment
Who it's for:
Apprentices aged 16 to 18, whether they are new or already on your team.

What you get:
£1,000
SME hiring incentive
Who it's for:
Non-levy employers taking on a new apprentice aged 16 to 24. Their employment start date must be within 90 days of starting their apprenticeship.

What you get:
Up to £2,000
No employer National Insurance
Who it's for:
Every apprentice under 25 earning up to the upper earnings limit.

What you get:
Ongoing saving

Find your option in seconds

Taking on a 16 to 18 year old?

You may be eligible for up to £3,000. Plus an extra £3,000 if they are 18 and meet the Youth Jobs Grant criteria.

Taking on a 19 to 24 year old?

You may be eligible for up to £5,000 through the SME incentive and Youth Jobs Grant initiative.

Taking on an 18 to 24 year old who has been claiming Universal Credit for six months or more? You could also be eligible for a £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant.

No employer National Insurance If you hire an apprentices under 25.

Recently recruited someone?

Start their apprenticeship within three months of them joining to add the £2,000 SME incentive. Talk to us to find out more.

How it works

Step 1 - Tell us what you need

Our specialist early years recruitment team are on hand to help you find the right apprentice.

Step 2 - We'll check your eligibility

We'll help you understand which incentives your nursery could qualify for.

Step 3 - We'll support the set-up

We'll guide you through the apprenticeship process and help with the paperwork.

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible?

Most incentives are open to any nursery. The £2,000 SME hiring incentive is for non-levy employers, which is most nurseries with a pay bill under £3 million. Exact amounts depend on the apprentice’s age and circumstances.

What does non-levy mean?

It means you don’t pay the Apprenticeship Levy. Most single settings and small groups don’t.

Can I claim for someone I’ve already taken on?

Possibly. If they joined you in the last three months and their apprenticeship starts within three months of their start date, they may still qualify.

Can I claim for my existing staff?

Yes, for some incentives. The £1,000 young apprentice payment, fully funded training and no employer National Insurance can all apply to someone already on your team. Only the £2,000 SME incentive requires their apprenticeship to start within three months of them joining.

Can the incentives be combined?

Yes. For a 16 to 24 year old, the £1,000 payment and the up to £2,000 SME incentive together could make up to £3,000.

What happens if my apprentice leaves?

Payments are only made while the apprentice is still on their apprenticeship at each payment point.