Who Is the Best Apprenticeship Employer? 2025 UK Rankings & Guide

Apprenticeship employer is a company or organization that provides structured on‑the‑job training combined with classroom learning for young workers, usually lasting from one to four years.

Quick Takeaways

• Rolls‑Royce, Network Rail, Tesco, Amazon and Babcock International dominate the 2025 apprenticeship landscape.
• Average apprentice salary has risen to £22,500 per year for large employers.
• Employers that partner with the National Apprenticeship Service score higher on quality metrics.
• Choosing the best apprenticeship employer hinges on industry fit, progression pathways and mentorship culture.
• Check the apprenticeship rating (1‑5) before you apply - it reflects mentorship, assessment rigour and post‑completion employment rates.

Why the Question Matters

Apprenticeships have become the fastest‑growing route into skilled work in the UK. In 2024, the Office for National Statistics recorded 1.2million apprentices, a 9% jump from the previous year. With employers competing for talent, the quality of the apprenticeship experience varies dramatically. Knowing which employer consistently delivers solid training, fair pay and clear career ladders saves time, money and frustration.

How We Ranked Employers

We blended four objective data points:

1. Number of apprenticeship slots - sourced from the Apprenticeship Service annual report.
2. Average apprentice salary - based on HMRC wage‑band disclosures for 2024‑25.
3. Apprenticeship rating - an aggregate of Ofsted inspections, apprentice surveys and employer compliance scores (scale1‑5).
4. Industry reputation - measured by sector‑specific skill council endorsements and post‑apprenticeship employment rates.

Each metric received equal weight, then we calculated a composite score. The top five rise above the national average by more than 30% across all categories.

Top Five Apprenticeship Employers in 2025

These employers not only boast the highest slot numbers but also rank strongly on mentorship, assessment rigor and post‑completion job offers. Their apprenticeship programs are often linked directly to degree‑level qualifications, thanks to partnerships with universities and the University Technical College (UTC) network.

Deep Dive into Each Leader

Rolls‑Royce

Rolls‑Royce runs the UK's largest engineering apprenticeship scheme. Since launching its graduate‑track apprenticeship in 2015, the company has placed over 12,000 apprentices in roles ranging from turbomachinery design to digital twins. Key attributes include a 24‑month paid apprenticeship, mentorship by senior engineers, and a guaranteed interview for a full‑time graduate role.

• Apprentices earn a minimum of £12,250 in year one, rising to £23,800 by year three.
• Training combines on‑site workshops with accredited modules from the University of Cambridge.
• 90% of apprentices stay with Rolls‑Royce after completion, according to the 2024 internal report.

Network Rail

Network Rail provides apprenticeships that span civil engineering, signalling, and project management. Their 2024 apprenticeship rating of 4.7 stems from a robust competency framework and a nationwide mentorship program that pairs apprentices with experienced line managers.

• Apprentices receive a salary band that starts at £12,800 and reaches £22,600 by the final year.
• Every apprentice completes a Level3 or Level4 NVQ, plus a 20‑credit university module.
• 140% increase in apprenticeship intake since 2020 reflects strong demand.

Tesco

Tesco dominates the retail apprenticeship arena. Their ‘Future Leaders’ programme is designed for store management, supply chain, and digital marketing roles. In 2024, Tesco introduced a new ‘Digital Skills’ apprenticeship in partnership with the National Apprenticeship Service, giving apprentices access to industry‑standard e‑learning platforms.

• Starting salary: £12,150, climbing to £21,900 with progression.
• Apprentices spend 40% of time on‑the‑job and 60% in classroom or online learning.
• 78% of Tesco apprentices secure a permanent role within the firm after completion.

Amazon

Amazon offers a fast‑paced technology and logistics apprenticeship pathway. Their ‘Tech Essentials’ track includes software engineering, data analysis, and cybersecurity. Amazon’s rating of 4.4 reflects a strong focus on real‑world project delivery and accelerated up‑skilling.

• Apprentice salary averages £22,200, with a 13‑month paid training phase.
• Training is delivered through a blend of internal Amazon Academy modules and external qualification bodies.
• Over 85% of apprentices are promoted to full‑time roles within 18months.

Babcock International

Babcock International focuses on defence‑related engineering apprenticeships. Their partnership with the Ministry of Defence allows apprentices to work on cutting‑edge naval systems while studying for an Engineering NVQ Level4.

• Salary starts at £12,600 and reaches £23,000 by year three.
• Apprentices gain security clearance and access to classified projects - a unique selling point.
• 70% of Babcock apprentices continue into roles within the defence sector.

How to Pick the Right Apprenticeship Employer for You

Finding the best apprenticeship employer isn’t just about the headline ranking. Align the choice with your career goals, learning style and personal circumstances.

• Industry match: If you dream of aerospace, Rolls‑Royce offers the deepest technical exposure. If you prefer retail management, Tesco’s pathway is unbeatable.
• Geographic reach: Network Rail and Amazon have nationwide placement options, while Babcock’s roles concentrate around defence hubs like Portsmouth and Bristol.
• Mentorship quality: Look for programmes that assign a dedicated mentor for at least 12months - a factor that lifts apprenticeship ratings.
• Progression guarantees: Some employers promise a guaranteed interview or a fixed salary bump upon completion. Read the fine print.
• Financial support: Beyond salary, check for additional benefits such as travel allowances, certification fees covered, or pension contributions.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Even the top employers can present hidden challenges.

1. Assuming all apprentices get the same training: Roles differ widely even within the same company. Request a detailed curriculum before you accept.
2. Overlooking the end‑qualification: Some programmes only award an NVQ, while others combine a bachelor’s degree. Decide which credential aligns with your long‑term plan.
3. Ignoring the work‑life balance: High‑intensity sectors such as aerospace may demand overtime during peak project phases. Clarify expected hours early.
4. Missing the application deadline: Large employers often have rolling recruitment calendars. Set reminders for each deadline to avoid losing a spot.

Future Outlook: Apprenticeships in 2026 and Beyond

The UK government plans to raise the apprenticeship levy ceiling by 8% in 2026, meaning larger firms will have more funds to invest in training. Emerging sectors like renewable energy and AI‑driven manufacturing are already launching bespoke apprenticeship routes. Keep an eye on the Sector Skills Council releases for early‑bird opportunities.

Next Steps for Prospective Apprentices

1. Identify the industry you want to break into and shortlist the top employers listed above.
2. Visit each employer’s careers page and download the latest apprenticeship handbook.
3. Match your current qualifications (GCSEs, A‑levels, or equivalent) to the entry requirements.
4. Prepare a tailored CV highlighting any relevant work experience, volunteer work, or school projects.
5. Apply before the advertised deadline, then follow up with a short email to the apprenticeship coordinator.

By following this roadmap, you’ll maximise your chances of landing a spot with a leading apprenticeship employer and set yourself on a fast‑track to a skilled career.

Frequently Asked Questions

What defines a "best" apprenticeship employer?

A "best" apprenticeship employer consistently scores high on apprenticeship slots, apprentice salaries, quality ratings (from Ofsted and apprentice surveys), and offers clear progression pathways. It also partners with the National Apprenticeship Service and provides robust mentorship.

Do apprentices get a degree with these top employers?

Many of the leading employers combine a Level3 or Level4 NVQ with a university‑validated degree. Rolls‑Royce, for example, partners with Cambridge to award a BSc in Engineering alongside the apprenticeship.

How much will I earn as an apprentice in 2025?

Salaries vary by sector, but the average across the top five employers is about £22,500 per year in the final year of training. Starting salaries range from £12,150 (retail) to £12,800 (engineering).

Can I switch employers halfway through my apprenticeship?

Switching is possible but depends on the training provider and the employer’s contract. Most large firms allow a transfer if the new employer matches the apprenticeship standard and the training provider agrees.

What role does the National Apprenticeship Service play?

The National Apprenticeship Service maintains the apprenticeship standard database, verifies employer compliance, and provides funding details. Employers that work closely with the service tend to have higher quality ratings.