It’s the big ‘P’ word… no, we’re not talking about penguins, potatoes or Picasso paintings. We’re talking about getting a pay rise.
Just because you’re fairly new to your career doesn’t mean you can’t pursue a higher salary – if you feel it’s well deserved, of course! Approaching the conversation can be nerve-wracking, which is why we’re explaining exactly how you can ask for an apprenticeship pay rise. Read our step-by-step guide below.
What is the apprenticeship pay rise system?
Just like the rest of the country, apprentices are entitled to the National Minimum Wage, which varies based on your age bracket:
- Aged 16 to 18: £6.40/hour
- Aged 19 or over and in your first year of the apprenticeship: £6.40/hour
- Aged 19 or over and have completed the first year of the apprenticeship: You’re entitled to the National Minimum Wage.
Apprentices are paid for the time spent working plus the time spent studying. It’s the big difference between apprenticeships and university – you don’t get paid to study at university unless you secure a rare scholarship. During an apprenticeship, you do get paid to study.
Even though these are the salary boundaries, you can still ask for an apprenticeship pay rise if you think you’ve been working extra hard.
Extra tip:
Don’t forget that there are also rules about how many hours you can work per week and how much you get paid for overtime. Your employer will know about this, but it’s good practice to ask them and check your contract so you’re in the know, too.
How to ask your employer for an apprenticeship pay rise
1. Choose the right time
This step may seem quite minor, yet it is possibly the most important of all. Avoid asking for an pay rise when the company faces financial difficulties or a busy period. Instead, choose a time when your performance has been particularly strong, and things are smooth with your employer.
2. Book a formal meeting
A pay rise isn’t something you talk about on your lunch break. Request a formal meeting with your employer or manager, giving you both dedicated time and space for a focused conversation.
3. Gather the evidence
Don’t turn up to the meeting empty-handed. Spend time gathering the evidence of your successes so far, including:
- Performance reviews: Collect all the great feedback you’ve gathered from your employer or training supervisor.
- Data and project successes: Focus on the positive results and impact your contributions had on recent projects.
- Training and certifications: Keep track of the courses you’ve completed so far. It shows your willingness to learn!
- Testimonials: These are reviews from your colleagues who can back you up and verify your value to the team.
- Industry benchmarks: If you have evidence of equivalent roles at other companies offering higher salaries, you could share this information with your employer.
4. Showcase your future plan
It’s not just about what you’ve done but what you’re going to do. Prepare a short plan outlining how you intend to keep on thriving and progressing throughout the apprenticeship. For example, you could talk about taking on additional responsibilities or completing extra training courses.
5. Know your rates and be specific
Research typical pay rates for apprentices in your field and location to have a realistic understanding of what to expect for an apprenticeship pay rise. If you shoot for the moon with silly expectations, your manager will likely shut you down.
When you’re in the meeting, bring this info to the forefront and be specific about your expectations. Explain why you are requesting the specific amount or percentage increase, and explain your research.
6. Communicate your value
Remember that value is the keyword when you request an apprenticeship pay rise. Keep tying everything you say back to the value you bring to the company, explaining how your work and personality have positively impacted the business.
7. Be prepared to negotiate
If you receive a ‘no,’ your employer may not be able to give you an apprenticeship pay rise immediately. In this case, ask for feedback on improving your performance and when you can revisit the conversation.
You may not realise it, but negotiation is a very tricky business skill to master. If your employer is open to an apprenticeship pay rise but can’t meet your exact request, be prepared to negotiate. Be willing to listen to their perspective and consider alternative solutions, such as additional benefits or training opportunities.
8. Keep it professional
It goes without saying that you need to stay confident, professional and respectful – but we’ll say it anyway. Avoid demands by keeping a polite tone throughout, and don’t burn bridges even if the conversation doesn’t go as you hoped. Instead, take it as a learning opportunity for self-improvement and professional development.
First – find the apprenticeship of your dreams
Before you can ask for an apprenticeship pay rise, you need to find an apprenticeship that you see a future with.
If you’ve got money on your mind, check out our list of the best paying apprenticeships in the UK.
