Open petition: Make the Apprentice National Minimum Wage means tested

Created by K Newman
Closes on 22 July 2026

I would like the Government to ensure that individuals seeking further education as an apprentice (e.g getting a level 3 qualification in childcare) can have a wage that is more appropriate for an their circumstances, as opposed to a single flat minimum wage for all apprentices.

I am 19 years old. My parents are unfortunately dead, I am fairly estranged from my family. And so I have to pay rent. Some of my apprentice colleagues are on the same wage living with parents and do not have to pay a penny toward their living expenses, whilst I am left with almost no money every month. I believe that it would be beneficial to apprentices with limited family support and higher living expenses many people living in circumstances such as this, and worse, to have a slightly higher hourly wage.

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