At a glance
- Incentive: £2,000 per new apprentice aged 16-24
- Applies to: apprenticeships starting on or after 1 October 2026
- Extra funding: £1,000 for apprentices aged 16-18 (up to £3,000 in total)
- Who can claim: non-levy paying employers, typically small and medium-sized
- Key deadline: apprentice enrolled within 90 days of their employment start date
What is the £2,000 apprenticeship hiring incentive?
The £2,000 apprenticeship hiring incentive is a government payment for employers who take on a new apprentice aged 16-24. It’s designed to help smaller employers grow their teams with young talent, and it applies to apprentices who start on or after 1 October 2026.
How much can you claim per apprentice?
| Apprentice age | Hiring incentive | Young apprentice incentive | Total available |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16-18 | £2,000 | £1,000 | Up to £3,000 |
| 19-24 | £2,000 | Not applicable | £2,000 |
What is the £2,000 apprenticeship hiring incentive?
The £2,000 apprenticeship hiring incentive is a government payment for employers who take on a new apprentice aged 16-24. It’s designed to help smaller employers grow their teams with young talent, and it applies to apprentices who start on or after 1 October 2026.
Who is eligible for the £2,000 apprenticeship incentive?
- Your apprentice must start their apprenticeship on or after 1 October 2026
- Your apprentice must be aged 16 – 24
- Your apprentice must be enrolled on their apprenticeship within 90 days of their employment start date
- You must be a non-levy paying employer*
*Employers with an annual pay bill over £3 million pay the Apprenticeship Levy and aren’t eligible for this incentive. The rule is based on levy status, not business size. See the government’s guidance on the growth and skills levy or our apprenticeship funding rule changes for more detail.
How Shoots Training can help you claim
An incentive is only useful if you know how to claim it. Shoots Training will guide you through eligibility, timings and choosing the right apprenticeship for your setting. Explore our full range of apprenticeships to get started.
Get in touch with our sales team today to find out how the £2,000 incentive could support your next apprentice hire.