Apprenticeship Funding for Individuals with an EHCP: Frequently Asked Questions

How are apprenticeships funded for those with an EHCP?

Apprenticeship training and assessment costs are 100% fully funded by the government for eligible individuals aged 19–24 who hold a current Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). 

Training and Employer Funding

• 100% Government Funding: For non-levy-paying employers, the government pays the full cost of training and assessment (up to the funding band maximum) for apprentices aged 19–24 who have an active EHCP. 

• Levy Integration: If an employer pays the Growth and Skills Lev [External Link], training costs are drawn directly from their digital account, with full government support continuing as applicable. 

Incentive Payments and Grants

• Employer Incentive (£1,000): Employers receive an additional £1,000 grant (paid in two instalments via the training provider) for recruiting an apprentice aged 19–24 with an EHCP. 

• National Insurance Exemption: Employers do not pay National Insurance contributions for apprentices under 25 who earn below £50,270 per year. 

Additional Learning Support (ALS)

• Monthly Support Funding: Providers can claim a fixed rate of £150 per month for extra learning support or reasonable adjustments required due to a disability or learning difficulty. 

• Excess Claims: Support costs exceeding £150/month (up to £19,000/year) can be claimed through the Earnings Adjustment Statement (EAS), while exceptional costs above £19,000 require a specific exceptional application. 

• Access to Work: Apprentices can also apply for discretionary grants through Access to Work [External Link] to fund specialised workplace equipment, support workers, or travel costs

Does having an EHCP change apprenticeship funding?

Yes, having an EHCP significantly changes apprenticeship funding by unlocking extra government grants and fully covering training costs that would otherwise require employer contributions.

Here is exactly how the funding changes compared to a standard adult apprentice:

100% Training Costs Covered

• For Small Employers: Normally, if an apprentice is over 19, smaller employers must pay 5% of the training costs. If the apprentice has an EHCP (and is aged 19–24), the government waives this fee and covers 100% of the training costs.

• For Levy Employers: Large employers can use their levy funds as usual, but the apprentice remains eligible for all other EHCP-specific financial perks.

Extra Cash Incentives

• Employer Grant: The government pays a £1,000 incentive directly to the employer for taking on an apprentice aged 19–24 with an EHCP.

• Provider Grant: The training provider also receives a £1,000 incentive to help support the learner's journey.

Dedicated Learning Support

• Additional Learning Support (ALS): Providers can claim £150 per month from the government to pay for extra help, like speech therapy, tailored materials, or one-to-one tutoring.

• Excess Support Funding: If the apprentice needs more support than the standard monthly rate allows, providers can claim up to £19,000 per year to cover heavier costs.

English and Maths Flexibility

• Lower Entry Requirements: While standard apprentices must achieve Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) in English and Maths, apprentices with an EHCP can often graduate by achieving Entry Level 3, making the qualification much more accessible.

Are apprenticeships the same as Supported Internships?

No, apprenticeships are not the same as supported internships, though both are structured work-based routes designed to help young people enter employment.

The core difference is that an apprenticeship is a paid job that results in a formal qualification, while a supported internship is an unpaid study programme specifically designed for young people with an EHCP who need intensive support to prepare for work.

Here is a direct comparison of how they differ:

Apprenticeship

• Legal Status: You are a contracted employee with full worker rights.

• Pay: Paid at least the National Minimum Wage for apprentices.

• EHCP Requirement: Not required (but unlocks extra funding if you have one).

• Age Limit: 16+ with no upper age limit.

• Support Provided: Reasonable workplace adjustments and learning support.

• Qualification: Results in a nationally recognised qualification.

• Time Split: 80% working, 20% off-the-job training.

Supported Internship

• Legal Status: You are a student on a college or school roll.

• Pay: Unpaid (though you maintain your benefits).

• EHCP Requirement: Mandatory. You must have an active EHCP.

• Age Limit: Strictly for young people aged 16 to 24.

• Support Provided: Intensive, one-to-one on-site support from a Job Coach.

• Qualification: Focuses on work readiness; will include maths/English.

• Time Split: Most time on placement, with minimal classroom study.

How to Choose Between Them

• Choose a Supported Internship if: You want to work but feel you aren't quite ready for a standard job interview or independent workplace yet. The job coach stays with you in the workplace until you are confident.

• Choose an Apprenticeship if: You are ready to manage a standard workload, want to earn an independent wage immediately, and are capable of balancing a job alongside formal study.