To become an apprentice in the UK you need a good standard of basic education such as GCSEs in maths & English along with a keen interest in practical work. Many employers look for some hands-on experience which can be gained through part time work, short courses or introductory construction or engineering programmes.

 

You will need to demonstrate an understanding of health and safety, a willingness to learn and a reliable approach to working with tools and customers. Showing motivation, a positive attitude and a genuine interest in the industry will strengthen your chances of securing an apprenticeship.

 

Enrolment onto an apprenticeship programme requires a formal agreement with an employer who will support you throughout the duration of your training. The employer must contact our team directly on your behalf to arrange the necessary training provisions.

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Lomax Training will:

• Deliver the qualification

• Support both you and your employer

• Carry out progress reviews

• Prepare the apprentice for the End-Point Assessment

 

At least 20 per cent of the apprentice’s paid working hours must be spent on off-the-job training.

This can include:

• Workshops or sessions with a training provider

• Online or classroom learning

• Job shadowing or mentoring

• Practical training outside normal duties

 

Training must take place during paid working hours, not in the apprentice’s own time.

 

Apprenticeship Duration

Minimum duration: 12 months.
Typical lengths:
•    Level 2: 12 to 18 months
•    Level 3: 18 to 24 months

 

Age Requirements

There is no upper age limit. Apprentices must simply be aged 16 or over and able to benefit from the training.

Every apprentice completes an End-Point Assessment at the end of the programme. This is carried out by an independent assessment organisation and confirms that the apprentice is fully competent.

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Apprentice wages

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First year apprentice minimum wage (regardless of age) is £8.00 from April 2026.

After the first year the apprentice must be paid a minimum of whatever the national minimum wage is for their age.

 

Apprenticeship Incentives

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As a non levy paying employer, if you recruit an apprentice ages under 25, your business could benefit from:

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. £2000 hiring payment when taking on a new employee, aged under 25, who starts an apprenticeship from 1st October 2026.

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. £1000 incentive for apprentices between 16-18, or 19 - 24 if they are a care leaver or have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan.​​

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. £3000 Youth Jobs Grant for eligble young people aged 18 to 24 who have been claiming Universal Credit for six months or more.

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. Fully funded apprenticeship training for apprentices aged under 25 from 1st August 2026.

 

. No employer National Insurance contributions on eligible earnings for apprentices under 25.

 

. £3000 bursary available for eligible care leavers starting an apprenticeship. 

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Funding Cost

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. 16–24 year old apprentices – fully funded.

. 25 + apprentices, the employer will have to contribute 5% of the overall negotiated cost of the apprenticeship.

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Training Dates

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. Enrolling now for our next intake of Gas Engineering Operative Apprenticeship, training will comence on the 1st October 2026.

. Enrolling now for our next intake of Utility Network Operative Apprenticeship, scheduled to start in October 2026.