I am about to employ two apprentices and was wondering if the minimum wage still applies and if there are any special laws or regulations I must follow?

All employees working under a contract of employment are entitled to receive the National Minimum Wage (NMW), and regulations provide that this definition is given to include those working under a contract of apprenticeship. There are also certain government-run arrangements that are classed as apprenticeships for the purpose of NMW legislation.
 
However, the entitlement of an apprentice to the NMW is not necessarily straightforward. If the apprentice is under the age of 19, he/she is not entitled to receive the minimum rate of pay. Apprentices aged 19 and over are entitled to the NMW unless they are in the first year of their employment.