If you employ 49 or less staff and recruit 16-18-year-old the government will fully fund 100% of the apprentice training, this also applies if 19-24-year olds who have previously been in care or have a Local Authority Education, Health Care Plan. If you recruit an apprentice aged 19 plus the government fund 95% of the apprentice training and the employer is required to pay a small 5% contribution. This varies from programme to programme and you will be advised accordingly.