From 1 October 2026, non-levy-paying employers (those with a paybill under £3m) can claim up to £2,000 for hiring an apprentice aged 16-24, provided the apprentice's practical start date is on or after that date. It is paid in two £1,000 instalments (after ~90 days on programme and at ~365 days) and can stack with the existing £1,000 incentive for 16-18-year-olds.
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New £2,000 grant for non-levy SMEs hiring 16-24 apprentices from Oct 2026
Why this matters for founders
Founders planning to hire junior talent should time an apprentice's practical start date to 1 October 2026 or later and set up a PAYE apprenticeship service account to claim the £2,000, effectively subsidising an early hire.
Source: GOV.UK - Apprenticeship funding
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