✅ Updated April 2026 for ERA changes
✅ Free Compliance Tool

UK Apprenticeship Agreement Compliance Checklist

📅 Updated May 2026
✓ 28 Compliance Points
👤 England & Wales
Verify your apprenticeship agreement meets all statutory requirements before the apprentice starts.

This interactive checklist covers:

• Parties to the Agreement
• Apprenticeship Details
• Important Dates
• Salary and Working Hours
• Training and Development
• Progress Reviews and Support
• Leave Entitlement
• Termination and Notice
• Additional Benefits and Legal Terms

All 28 compliance points are covered. The template handles all of them automatically.
Interactive checklist • Save progress • Download as PDF • Full version unlocks free with email
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How to Use This Checklist

Click each checkbox to mark items as complete. Your progress is automatically saved to your browser. Use this checklist to verify every requirement before, during, and after creating your Apprenticeship Agreement.

✅ Preparing Your Apprenticeship Agreement

1. Before starting: Gather all relevant documentation and information before starting
2. While completing: Verify every section against all 28 compliance points
3. Before signing: Review all sections for completeness before finalising

⚠️ Key Apprenticeship Agreement Requirements

📋 Key Purpose: An apprenticeship agreement establishes the terms of an approved English apprenticeship, covering the practical training, off-the-job learning, and employment terms.
⚖️ Legal Framework: Governed by the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 and the Enterprise Act 2016. Must comply with National Minimum Wage regulations for apprentices.
🚫 Critical Requirements: Must be a written agreement confirming the apprenticeship framework or standard, the skill, trade or occupation being trained for, and the expected duration.
📝 Best Practice: Clearly set out training commitments, off-the-job learning requirements (minimum 20%), pay progression, and end-point assessment arrangements. Apprentices are employees and from 6 April 2026 also gain day-one statutory sick pay, day-one paternity leave (unpaid) and day-one unpaid parental leave under the Employment Rights Act 2025.

🔵 Understanding Importance Levels

🔴 Critical: Must have — legally required or essential for enforceability
🟡 Important: Should have — protects your position and prevents disputes
🔵 Recommended: Nice to have — best practice for comprehensive coverage

👥

1. Parties to the Agreement (4 items)

Employer's Full Legal Name and Address
Exact legal name and registered office address. For limited companies, must match Companies House records.
🔴 Critical
Company Registration Number (if applicable)
For limited companies, include Companies House registration number for absolute clarity on legal entity.
🟡 Important
Apprentice's Full Name and Address
Complete legal name and home address. Critical for identifying the correct party to the agreement.
🔴 Critical
Training Provider Details
Name and address of approved training provider delivering the apprenticeship. Required by AELP funding regulations.
🔴 Critical
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UK Apprenticeship Agreement Compliance Checklist
28 Points | www.templatesuk.com
📚

2. Apprenticeship Details (4 items)

Job Title and Duties Specified
Clear description of role and main on-the-job duties. Helps establish the nature of apprenticeship.
🔴 Critical
Apprenticeship Standard/Framework
Specific approved standard (e.g., "Level 3 Engineering Technician"). Legally required to access government funding.
🔴 Critical
Apprenticeship Level Stated
Level 2-7 clearly specified. Determines qualification type, funding entitlements, and minimum training requirements.
🟡 Important
Expected Duration and End Date
Typical duration for the standard and planned completion date. Can be shortened for prior learning but must be documented.
🔴 Critical
📅

3. Important Dates (3 items)

Agreement Date
Date agreement is signed by all parties. Critical for calculating notice periods and term duration.
🔴 Critical
Apprenticeship Start Date
Date when services and training commence. Important for determining when obligations begin.
🔴 Critical
Expected End Date Specified
Planned completion date for the apprenticeship. Can be extended or shortened with agreement from all parties.
🔴 Critical
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💰

4. Salary and Working Hours (4 items)

⚠️ Minimum Wage Critical Warning

Failure to pay apprentice minimum wage can result in significant back pay claims and penalties. 2025 rates: Under 19 or first year = £6.40/hr; 19+ after first year = £12.21/hr (21+) or £10.00/hr (18-20).

Annual Salary Meets Apprentice Minimum Wage
Salary must be at least the statutory minimum wage rate multiplied by expected working hours. Calculate: hourly rate × 37.5 hours × 52 weeks.
🔴 Critical
Weekly Working Hours Specified
Clear statement of hours per week (typically 37.5-40). Must comply with Working Time Regulations (48 hours/week maximum averaged).
🔴 Critical
Payment Frequency Specified
How often paid (weekly, fortnightly, monthly). Must be stated in writing and paid on fixed dates.
🟡 Important
Working Days and Times
Normal working pattern (e.g., Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm). Include when off-the-job training occurs (college days, etc.).
🟡 Important
🎓

5. Training and Development (4 items)

⚠️ Off-the-Job Training Legal Requirement

Apprentices MUST spend minimum 20% of paid working hours on off-the-job training. Failure to provide this breaches funding regulations.

Main Duties and On-the-Job Training
Description of practical work duties and skills developed on the job. Specific about what they'll learn while working.
🔴 Critical
Off-the-Job Training Details (minimum 20%)
Minimum 20% of paid working hours for formal training, college days, workshops, online learning, mentoring sessions.
🔴 Critical
Expected Qualification
Final qualification to be achieved (e.g., "Level 3 Engineering Technician Diploma"). Confirms training outcomes and standard.
🟡 Important
Workplace Mentor/Supervisor
Designated person for on-the-job guidance and support. Ensures structured learning and regular feedback.
🔵 Recommended
📊

6. Progress Reviews and Support (2 items)

Review Frequency Specified
Reviews conducted at regular intervals (typically 8-12 weekly). Must involve apprentice, employer, and training provider.
🔴 Critical
Additional Support Provided
Details of support available to apprentice: resources, mentoring, study leave, wellbeing support. Ensures learning success.
🟡 Important
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You've Done the Research. Now Finish It.

Complete apprenticeship agreement template – all clauses included, professionally drafted.
Fill in your details in minutes and you're done.

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Create Your Apprenticeship Agreement Now →

✅ 30-day money-back guarantee*

Preview before you buy • Lifetime updates • No subscription

🏖️

7. Leave Entitlement (3 items)

Annual Leave Days (28 days minimum)
Statutory minimum 28 days paid holiday per year including bank holidays. Apprentices have same entitlement as other workers.
🔴 Critical
Study Leave for Exams
Paid study leave for exams and assessments. Enables apprentice to prepare for End-Point Assessment.
🟡 Important
Rest Periods and Breaks
Daily rest breaks (typically 20 min per 6 hours), daily rest 11 hours, weekly rest 24 hours per week. Legal requirement under Working Time Regulations.
🔴 Critical
📋

8. Termination and Notice (3 items)

⚠️ First 6 Weeks - Special Rules

During the first 6 weeks, either party can terminate with just 1 week's notice. After 6 weeks, normal employment law applies with minimum statutory notice periods.

Apprentice Notice Period
Specific notice period apprentice must give after first 6 weeks. Typically 1-4 weeks depending on agreement.
🔴 Critical
Employer Notice Period
Specific notice period employer must give after first 6 weeks. Must comply with minimum statutory requirements.
🔴 Critical
Early Termination Grounds
Circumstances where apprenticeship can end before completion (mutual agreement, redundancy, ill health). Must follow proper procedures.
🟡 Important
🎁

9. Additional Benefits and Legal Terms (1 item)

Additional Benefits Listed
Any benefits beyond legal minimums: pension scheme, materials provided, professional fees, parking, training opportunities. All optional but should be clearly documented.
🔵 Recommended
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You've Done the Research. Now Finish It.

Complete apprenticeship agreement template – all clauses included, professionally drafted.
Fill in your details in minutes and you're done.

£20 – Own It Forever
Create Your Apprenticeship Agreement Now →

✅ 30-day money-back guarantee*

Preview before you buy • Lifetime updates • No subscription

Next Steps

Now that you've reviewed the compliance checklist, you have three options:

✅ Use Our Ready-Made Template

Save hours of research and drafting. Our professionally-crafted Apprenticeship Agreement template covers all 28 compliance points with statutory apprenticeship terms, training commitments, off-the-job learning provisions, and NMW-compliant pay structures. Structured following UK apprenticeship legislation. Available in both Smart Interview (guided) and Classic Editor (direct editing) modes for just £20.

✔ UK Law Only | ✔ Instant Download | ✔ Lifetime Updates | ✔ No Subscriptions

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📝 Draft Your Own Apprenticeship Agreement

Use this checklist as your guide, but remember: a non-compliant apprenticeship agreement can invalidate the apprenticeship and create employment law issues. The most common mistakes are: insufficient off-the-job training, incorrect apprentice NMW rates, and missing statutory terms.

Disclaimer: This checklist is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to keep information accurate and up to date, the law is complex and subject to change. Every situation is unique. This checklist applies to apprenticeship agreements in England and Wales. Last updated: May 2026.