Is the Apprenticeship NMW fair?

[Jamie]

Do you think the apprenticeship national minimum wage is a fair wage? Let us know your thoughts here.

 

[Ryan]

When you first get an apprenticeship (providing you've never had a job before), all you see is £££ signs. It does seem really good have £400+ going into your bank every month. But a few months down the line when you realise you're doing a job they'd be paying someone else twice or even three times the amount to do, starts to make it demoralising.

I'm not a fan of it. It should be in the £3 at least, but with the way the country is nowadays, I can't see that happening.

it's always an interesting subject though!

 

[Jamie]

When you first get an apprenticeship (providing you've never had a job before), all you see is £££ signs. It does seem really good have £400+ going into your bank every month. But a few months down the line when you realise you're doing a job they'd be paying someone else twice or even three times the amount to do, starts to make it demoralising.

I'm not a fan of it. It should be in the £3 at least, but with the way the country is nowadays, I can't see that happening.

it's always an interesting subject though!

I actually had a different full time job before my apprenticeship, earning £300+ a week. So it was hard going down to £100 a week, but worth it in the long run.

 

[Ryan]

Blimey! That's a massive drop! Will it affect you with any bills etc?

The worst thing about it is that a few of my friends work at Tesco, so they're earning £7 something an hour, and I was obviously on nmw for an apprenticeship!

But like you said, they're worth it in the long run

 

[Jamie]

I make sure my bills come first. I still manage to pay my rent, phone and broadband (and bus pass). I have a bit left over for myself as get an extra £45 a week from working on a Sunday so it's not too bad.

 

[Ryan]

You're managing your money well then

 

[Jamie]

You're managing your money well then

Yeah I found I actually have less free time which in fact helps as I don't have the time to spend the money!

 

[Ryan]

Haha!! That's exactly my theory!

 

[Jamie]

Haha!! That's exactly my theory!

Hoping it will pay off at the end, a nice pay rise would be good

 

[Ian Wincote...]

I think it is quite low, but it is enough to get by on. And it sets you up well for the future.

 

[Harry]

I don't think it is fair. I have never been on minimum wage, my apprenticeship has always been above it. I started off on £120 a week, but it has risen to £155 since I have been taking more and more responsibility.

 

[Mariik]

Hello