12 August 2025
The Government of Jersey has announced the reintroduction of Trainee Minimum Wage Rates
to help support businesses to recruit trainees and apprentices into skilled employment through
the use of approved training programmes.
From 1 September 2025, trainee minimum wages are being introduced, as follows:
- Year 1 Trainee Rate: £10.50 per hour
- Year 2 Trainee Rate: £11.75 per hour.
These rates apply to trainees and apprentices on approved training programmes. After two
years in the same job on an approved training programme, employees must be paid at least
the minimum wage, even if they continue training beyond the end of Year 2. The new rates
apply to trainees starting a new job from 1 September onwards. Existing trainees will continue
to have a minimum wage of £13 per hour.
The reintroduction of trainee rates reflects a commitment to improving access to skilled
employment for trainees and apprentices, while balancing fairness for both employees and
employers. It aims to support businesses to sustainably invest in local talent and skills
development.
Minister for Social Security, Deputy Lyndsay Feltham said: "This is a positive step to help
trainees and apprentices to gain experience, build confidence, and develop key skills. At the
same time, we’re supporting businesses to invest in trainees as part of building a strong,
inclusive economy.
"We are already supporting businesses to invest in skills training through
the Better Business Support Package and together these actions also support our Investing
in Jersey strategy. These new trainee rates will create more opportunities and help make the
transition into skilled jobs clearer and more accessible.”
Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, Deputy Rob Ward commented: "Skills Jersey
have done a lot of work with industry to identify key skills gaps and a list of approved courses
which are accredited. By supporting trainees and apprentices with fair starting rates, we’re
opening more doors for Islanders to gain valuable qualifications and experience. This change
strengthens our pathway from education into skilled, rewarding work, and helps ensure that
learning truly is a lifelong opportunity for all.”
The trainee rate will be kept under review alongside regular minimum wage evaluations to
ensure it remains appropriate and fair.
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