Here’s where it gets really interesting. Many governments will literally pay you to hire an apprentice. In the UK, the government covers 95% of training costs for apprentices under 25. In the US, the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) can grant up to $5,000 per apprentice for training expenses.
Canada’s Apprenticeship Grant offers up to $4,000 per person. Australia has the Boosting Apprenticeships Commencements wage subsidy—up to $15,000 per apprentice for the first year. Yes, you read that correctly: some business owners are paid more in subsidies than they pay their apprentices. It’s like getting paid to adopt a kitten that will eventually do your taxes.
Before you set a wage, call your local small business development center or search for “apprenticeship tax credit [your state/region].” You might find that the government is effectively increasing your apprenticeship budget by 20-40%.
