The increase in wages will benefit the 26,000 apprentices already working in England.
Secretary of State for Skills John Denham, told Trade Union Congress: "We have rescued apprenticeships. We have trebled the number of people taking them up since 1997. Over 60% of people now complete their apprenticeships compared to just over 20% a few years ago.
"We will go on to make sure that they are a mainstream option for all young people and for adults in England. Within the next decade 1 in 5 young people will be able to take up an apprenticeship."
Commenting on the wage increase, TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "This will be a welcome boost for the thousands of low-paid apprentices, particularly women, who are struggling to make ends meet."
He added: "Pay increases will help more people to complete their training and boost the reputation of apprenticeships. Employers will also benefit from a greater number of skilled employees. More organisations will be attracted to the ever improving apprenticeship brand."
