#NAW2025 Wrap-up | Top tips for apprentices ??

It's National Apprenticeship Week and we’ve been celebrating apprentices learning new skills, highlighting career development opportunities at HMRC, and sharing top tips for those on their apprenticeship journey. ???

My name’s Simone and I chose an apprenticeship with the Civil Service in PR and Communications because I wanted to learn new skills whilst gaining experience with real world projects.

So far, I’ve been working in Digital Communications, supporting on things like social and media reporting, content creation, scheduling and broadcast planning.

I’m looking forward to livestreaming my first event in the next few weeks!?

Here are my top tips for anyone looking at an apprenticeship as their next career move, and those already in an apprenticeship:

?? You are owed the National Minimum Wage rate for your age

Don't forget to check your pay. If you're in your first year of your apprenticeship, you are legally entitled to at least the National Minimum Wage apprentice pay rate of ￡6.40 per hour. From 1 April it will increase to ￡7.55 an hour.

It doesn’t matter if you’re in a full time, part time or temporary role, your employer should pay you at least the correct hourly rate for your age and year of apprenticeship. It’s the law.

???You'll need your National Insurance number

"Have you got your National Insurance number?" is a question you'll hear when starting an apprenticeship and any future role.

Download the HMRC app for a quick and easy way to get your National Insurance number, you can even store it in your phone's e-wallet!

It’s secure, free to download, and easy to use. Get on it, and join millions of people already saving time with the HMRC app.

???You may have an unclaimed Child Trust Fund worth up to ￡2,200

If you're aged 18-22, you could be able to claim a Child Trust Fund.

This is a long-term tax-free savings account that was created for children born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011, and you don’t need to pay anyone to find your Child Trust Fund for you.

Young people?can take control of their Child Trust Fund at 16 and withdraw funds when they turn 18 and the account matures.

???Shape your future with a HMRC apprenticeship

An apprenticeship at HMRC is more than just training - it’s the start of a career you can be proud of.

From finance to project delivery and communications, our programmes offer hands-on experience, a competitive salary, and a qualification, all while working in an organisation where you can make a real impact.

Ready to take control of your future? See how Joseph is shaping his career as a policy apprentice.