Year two apprentices

[jadavi]

Can anyone advise?

My Ymca coordinator says I have to pay the apprentices national minimum wage in their second year.
A plumber friend who is employing an apprentice in his second year says its still discretionary.
Any ideas or info?

[mum26]

I think it depends upon the age of the apprentice. If the apprentice is aged between 16-18 then the apprentice rate can stay the same. However if the apprentice is aged 19 or over, and have completed the first year of the apprenticeship, then they have to be paid the minimum wage.