Applications are now open for the increased incentive payment for hiring a new apprentice.

Incentive payments for apprentices who joined your organisation from 1st April 2021

  • Apprentices with an employment start date between 1st April 2021 and 30th September 2021 and who also have a practical period (training) start date between 1st April 2021 and 30th November 2021
  • You will receive £3,000 for new apprentices of any age
  • You must apply for these apprentices by the end of 30th November 2021
  • You can visit the government’s guidance page for more details

In addition to existing apprentices, any new hires made between now and 30th September 2021 may also be eligible for an incentive payment.

How to apply

You can apply for the incentive payment through the ‘Finances’ section in your apprenticeship service account. For a walk-through of the process, you can watch this support video.

Reminder: steps to take before you apply

There are 6 steps which you need to have completed before you apply for an incentive payment for hiring a new apprentice:

  1. You need to have registered an account on the apprenticeship service
  2. If you do not pay the apprenticeship levy, you need to have reserved funds in your apprenticeship service account
  3. You need to have recruited an apprentice
  4. You need to have add your apprentice to your apprenticeship service account
  5. You need to have agreed a start date for apprenticeship training to begin with your training provider
  6. You need to have accepted the latest version of the ESFA employer agreement

There are various how-to videos and a help portal to support you with these steps. You can also call the Apprenticeship Service on 0800 150 600.