Employment Rights For Apprentices

Sheldrake Training is committed to ensuring that all our learners are treated fairly and that they are properly managed according to all employment laws operating within their workplace.

When a business owner offers an apprenticeship to an individual, there is a contract made between the parties, once signed the new apprentice becomes an employee with this business. It is essential for all our employers to adhere to the following mandatory guidelines and responsibilities.

There is some excellent advice and information on employment legislation on the Equestrian Employers Association. Sheldrake Training recommends any employers to join the Equestrian Employers Association, it is less than £50/year. For the joining fee you will receive many useful templates:

Create apprenticeship contracts
Prepare staff handbooks
Generate Health and Safety handbooks
Offer Risk Assessment check lists
Additional help and tips

Apprentice Employment Requirements

The employer will provide a contract for the apprenticeship offer and it must contain the following detail:

Timescale of Apprenticeship – The apprentice’s contract of employment covers the period time from kick-off, up to and including the end point assessment.

Schedule of Work – Under 18-year-olds must have two consecutive days off every week. Over 18-year-olds must have one day off per week or two days off per fortnight.

Working Hours – Under 18-year-olds cannot work more than 40 hours per week. Over 18-year-olds cannot work more than 48 hours per week.

Salary – Apprentices must be paid the government minimum for apprentices. Rates of pay increases in the second year of the apprenticeship, if they are 19 years or older.

Pay Date – Apprentices must be paid through the PAYE system. They must be advised of pay run dates and how they will be paid. Regular payslips should be created to allow the apprentice to record and monitor all payments.

Holidays – An apprentice’s contract must include details of annual leave, sick pay, maternity/paternity and other statutory requirements.

Employer Responsibilities For Health & Safety

As an employer, it’s your responsibility to ensure full compliance with all applicable employment laws and health and safety regulations. You must also provide a safe, healthy, and supportive working environment for your apprentice. For more detailed guidance on workplace safety and legal obligations, please visit the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website.

It is essential that employers conduct a workplace risk assessment, especially if they are hiring an apprentice for the first time. Understanding how a young person may be potentially impacted by the current workplace, for example, working with animals or alongside large machinery. This is a precautionary protective activity that helps prevents accidents involving an apprentice but also potentially protects other members of staff.

At Sheldrake Training, we are committed to upholding these standards. Before confirming any apprenticeship vacancies, we conduct checks to ensure your business meets the necessary criteria.

Do apprentices get sick pay?

Within the United Kingdom all employees including apprentices are entitled to sick pay. They are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and their employer may also offer additional sick pay benefit.

Apprentices must fulfil the following SSP conditions:

Have an employment contract and worked under that contract.
Earn average pay of at least £120 per week.
Been sick for four or more consecutive days.

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