✅ Updated for April 2026 — already bought? Update free

Apprenticeship Agreement Template

(England & Wales)

Create your apprenticeship agreement with training schedules, wages, working hours, and statutory commitments.

Professionally drafted — structured following the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 for England and Wales.

Download a professionally drafted apprenticeship agreement template for UK employers and training providers. This apprenticeship agreement covers apprenticeship standards, off-the-job training arrangements, wages, working hours, probationary periods, and commitments from employer, apprentice, and training provider. Structured following the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 requirements for England and Wales. Includes employment terms, training provider details, progress review arrangements, health and safety obligations, equality and diversity commitments, and proper signature sections for all three parties. Updated for ERA 2025 changes effective April 2026.

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Who Needs an Apprenticeship Agreement?

An Apprenticeship Agreement is legally required for all apprenticeships in England. It covers training commitments, employment terms, and the responsibilities of all parties involved.

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Small Businesses
Taking on your first apprentice and need proper documentation
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Large Employers
Running structured apprenticeship programmes at scale
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Training Providers
Supporting employers with compliant apprenticeship documentation
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Trade Employers
Construction, electrical, plumbing and skilled trade apprenticeships
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Professional Services
Accounting, legal, marketing and business apprenticeships
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Tech Companies
Digital, software development and IT apprenticeships
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Healthcare Providers
Nursing, care, and healthcare support apprenticeships
📊
HR Departments
Managing apprentice onboarding and compliance documentation
Employment Protection

Why You Need an Apprenticeship Agreement

Meet legal requirements, secure ESFA funding, and protect both employer and apprentice

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Legal Requirement

Every apprenticeship in England must have a written agreement before starting. Without it, you cannot register with the ESFA.

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Funding Protection

No valid agreement means no government funding. A proper agreement is essential to access the apprenticeship levy and ESFA co-investment.

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Clear Expectations

Sets out training, wages, hours and commitments for all three parties — reducing disputes and protecting everyone involved.

An apprenticeship agreement — required under the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 — is a legally recognised contract between an employer, apprentice, and training provider that sets out the terms of the apprenticeship including training commitments, working hours, and wages.▼ Tap below to read more

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What Is an Apprenticeship Agreement and Why Do You Need One?

An Apprenticeship Agreement is a legal contract that must be in place before any apprenticeship begins in England. It's required under the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 and sets out the framework for the apprenticeship.

What It Must Cover:

  • The apprenticeship standard — Which qualification/standard the apprentice will work towards
  • Duration — The expected length of the apprenticeship (minimum 12 months)
  • Training arrangements — Off-the-job training details (minimum 20% of working hours)
  • Employment terms — Wages, hours, holidays, and working conditions
  • Commitments — What the employer, apprentice, and training provider will each deliver

Why It Matters:

Without a valid Apprenticeship Agreement, you cannot register the apprenticeship with the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), which means no government funding. It also provides legal protection for both the employer and apprentice.

Our template is professionally structured to cover all requirements.

Without a written apprenticeship agreement, employers risk non-compliance with the Education and Skills Funding Agency requirements, potential clawback of apprenticeship levy funding, and difficulty evidencing the training commitment if challenged.▼ Tap below to read more

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Apprentice Wages and Working Hours

Minimum Wage Requirements:

  • Apprentice Rate: Applies to apprentices aged under 19, or those 19+ in their first year of the apprenticeship
  • National Minimum Wage: Once the apprentice is 19+ AND has completed the first year, they're entitled to the age-appropriate NMW rate
  • Check current rates: Apprentice wages increase each April — always verify the current rates on GOV.UK

Working Hours:

  • Apprentices must work at least 30 hours per week (including training time)
  • Part-time apprenticeships (16-29 hours) are possible but extend the duration proportionally
  • Minimum 20% of working hours must be off-the-job training
  • Under-18 apprentices have additional working time restrictions

Off-the-Job Training:

This is training that takes place outside of the normal day-to-day work duties. It can include college attendance, online learning, shadowing, mentoring, or industry visits. It must be directly relevant to the apprenticeship standard.

Our template includes clear sections for wages, hours, and training arrangements.

This apprenticeship agreement template covers apprenticeship standard details, off-the-job training arrangements, employer commitments, apprentice commitments, training provider obligations, wages, working hours, probationary period, health and safety, equality and diversity, and signature sections for all three parties.▼ Tap below to read more

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What's Included in Our Apprenticeship Agreement

Comprehensive Apprenticeship Coverage:

  • ✓ Complete employer and apprentice details
  • ✓ Apprenticeship standard and level
  • ✓ Training provider information
  • ✓ Start date and expected end date
  • ✓ Detailed wage and payment terms
  • ✓ Working hours and work pattern
  • ✓ Holiday entitlement
  • ✓ Off-the-job training schedule
  • ✓ Place of work and job duties
  • ✓ Probationary period terms
  • ✓ Progress review arrangements
  • ✓ Termination and notice provisions
  • ✓ Disciplinary and grievance references
  • ✓ Health and safety obligations
  • ✓ Equality and diversity commitment
  • ✓ Confidentiality clause
  • ✓ Data protection acknowledgment
  • ✓ Commitment to completion section
  • ✓ Proper signature sections for all parties

Professionally structured and ready for signing by employer, apprentice, and training provider.

Related documents: Apprenticeship Agreements are often used alongside an Employment Contract, Disciplinary Procedure, and Grievance Procedure.

Common mistakes include confusing apprenticeship agreements with standard employment contracts, failing to specify the apprenticeship standard or framework, omitting the training provider as a party, and not meeting the minimum 20% off-the-job training requirement.▼ Tap below to read more

Common Apprenticeship Agreement Mistakes to Avoid

Don't Make These Critical Errors:

  • No written agreement: Apprenticeships without proper documentation cannot be registered with ESFA and won't receive funding.
  • Missing training provider details: The agreement must include the training provider who will deliver the qualification.
  • Wrong apprenticeship standard: Make sure you reference the correct standard code and level from the Institute for Apprenticeships.
  • Insufficient off-the-job training: At least 20% of working hours must be dedicated to training — this is non-negotiable.
  • Below minimum wage: Apprentices must receive at least the apprentice minimum wage (or NMW if applicable).
  • Missing signatures: All three parties (employer, apprentice, training provider) should sign before the apprenticeship starts.
  • No probationary period: Including a reasonable probationary period protects both parties.
  • Vague job duties: Clearly describe what the apprentice will be doing day-to-day.
  • Forgetting under-18 rules: Young apprentices have additional restrictions on working hours and breaks.
  • Not updating after changes: Any significant changes to the apprenticeship should be documented in writing.

Our template helps you avoid these mistakes with clear structure and guidance.

⚠️ After you download — IMPORTANT:

All three parties must sign before the apprenticeship starts. Keep copies for employer, apprentice, and training provider. Register the apprenticeship with the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) through the Apprenticeship Service. Review progress regularly and document any changes to the agreement in writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Apprenticeship Agreement?

An Apprenticeship Agreement is a legal contract between an employer and an apprentice that sets out the terms of the apprenticeship.

It must include details about the apprenticeship standard, training arrangements, duration, wages, and working conditions.

It's required by law for all apprenticeships in England.

Is an Apprenticeship Agreement legally required?

Yes. Under the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009, every apprentice must have a written apprenticeship agreement before they start.

This is separate from (but complements) the employment contract. Without it, the apprenticeship cannot be formally registered with the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).

What's the difference between an Apprenticeship Agreement and an Employment Contract?

An Apprenticeship Agreement specifically covers the training elements: the apprenticeship standard, off-the-job training, qualification details, and commitments from all parties.

An Employment Contract covers general employment terms like pay, hours, holidays, and notice periods.

Many employers combine both into a single document, which is what our template provides.

What must be included in an Apprenticeship Agreement?

The agreement must include: the apprenticeship standard being followed, expected duration, training provider details, off-the-job training arrangements (minimum 20% of working hours), wages and working hours, and commitments from employer, apprentice, and training provider.

Our template covers all these requirements.

Can an apprentice be dismissed?

Yes, but employers should follow fair procedures. Apprentices have the same employment rights as other employees, including protection from unfair dismissal (after two years' service).

However, apprenticeships can be terminated for gross misconduct, genuine redundancy, or mutual agreement. Employers should consult with the training provider before taking action.

What if UK law changes after I purchase?

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