Replies
No one has replied to this post.
Hi Darren,
From my understanding, legally yes in both scenarios they could be put back on the apprenticeship wage as they’re under 19 and starting a new apprenticeship. However, ethically I think it’s more difficult in your first scenario. If they’ve already been with the employer for over a year and had a pay rise, dropping them back down doesn’t feel right and could have an effect on moral. The second scenario feels more reasonable, as it’s a new employer and a fresh start.
Hope this helps
Joe
Darren Hands
Apprenticeship Wage
Created
I think I know the answer to this although the guidelines are a bit of a grey area but could I just ask for others thoughts on these scenarios with the Apprenticeship Wage...
S1) A 16 year old learner does an 18 month Level 2 apprenticeship (in the first year gets paid the correct Apprenticeship wage). Upon achievement, they decide they wish to go on to a Level 3 apprenticeship (in the same sector). They are still aged under 19. Should/could the employer put the learner back on to the minimum wage again as it is a "new" apprenticeship? My feeling is that ethically as they would have had to increase the wage after 12 months on the L2, they are not able to do so - even though it is a new apprenticeship
S2) The same learner above completes the Level 2 apprenticeship but is NOT kept on by the employer. The learner goes to another employer in order to do his Level 3. As it's a "new" apprenticeship (being a L3) and still under 19 years of age, the new employer could (in theory) start the learner back on the minimum apprenticeship wage for the first 12 months.
Any thoughts?
TiA
Darren