The Apprenticeship Revival and the Employers Getting It Right

The government has announced a £725m overhaul of skills funding, promising 50,000 extra apprenticeship places in an effort to reverse a decade-long slump that has seen the number of young people starting apprenticeships fall by nearly 40%.

With apprenticeship opportunities expanding, a ranking of the UK’s top apprenticeship employers, compiled in a landmark collaboration between the Department for Education and early careers platform Higherin, places Mitchells & Butlers at the top, outperforming tech giant Amazon and defence contractor BAE Systems.

Oliver Sidwell, career expert and Co-Founder of Higherin , argues: “Apprenticeships today are not what they were twenty years ago. They are no longer seen simply as entry-level training for lower-paid work. Today, apprenticeships exist in fields from software engineering to advanced manufacturing, combining rigorous academic learning with hands-on experience,” he explains.

Part of championing these opportunities means benchmarking the very best through Higherin’s annual ranking of the top apprenticeship employers. “We collect honest reviews from apprentices nationwide to identify employers that truly invest in their people,” he highlights.

Why hospitality outpaces traditional powerhouses

Mitchells & Butlers’ victory reflects the sector’s transformation to a sophisticated training provider. The hospitality group, which operates household names including Toby Carvery, Miller & Carter, and All Bar One, achieved an exceptional 98% apprentice satisfaction rating. The company’s approach centres on what they call “progressive responsibility”. Apprentices take on meaningful roles from day one, with structured pathways that can lead to general management within 3-4 years.

Defence giant BAE Systems proves engineering appeal

BAE Systems’ second-place finish demonstrates the continued strength of engineering apprenticeships, particularly in high-tech manufacturing. Operating across 40 countries, the company offers apprentices exposure to cutting-edge projects from fighter jets to cybersecurity systems.

The company’s apprenticeship-to-engineer pipeline has become increasingly attractive as university costs soar, with many programs offering degree-level qualifications alongside hands-on experience.

Amazon’s apprenticeships bypass traditional tech recruiting

Amazon’s third-place ranking reflects the tech giant’s serious investment in alternatives to computer science degrees. Their apprenticeship programs span software development, cloud computing, and data analysis, all of which are traditionally degree-only territories.

How rankings were awarded – real feedback, real impact

The rankings were determined using five key factors that measure both apprenticeship quality and employer commitment:

• Amount: Total number of apprenticeship opportunities and levels offered by the employer

• Started: Total number of apprentices that started their apprenticeship this year

• Completed: Number of apprentices who successfully achieved their apprenticeship this year

• Diversity: Diversity of the apprenticeship cohort

• Reviews: Quality and number of reviews submitted by apprentices

Top Ten Employers for Apprentices:

The rankings go beyond simple satisfaction scores, assessing employers on the scale of opportunities they offer, completion rates, and the diversity of their apprentices. By combining hard metrics with the voices of apprentices themselves, the methodology highlights organisations that are genuinely committed to developing young talent.

What do students really want?

Analysis reveals clear patterns in top-performing employers:

Winners focus on:

• Structured progression pathways with clear milestones

• Meaningful work from day one, not just observation

• Strong mentor relationships with dedicated time

• Mix of formal qualifications and practical skills

• Cross-department exposure and networking

Common failures:

• Using apprentices as cheap labour without genuine development

• Inadequate mentor training and support

• Unclear progression routes beyond initial qualification

• Isolation from broader company culture and opportunities

Advice for Prospective Apprentices

Oliver recommends focusing on employers that score highly on development factors rather than just brand recognition: “The best apprenticeship is one where you’ll gain skills employers actually want, with clear paths to progress. The highest-rated employers understand this and create schemes where apprentices gain genuine business experience alongside their qualifications.”

For employers, the message emphasises genuine investment over marketing promises: “Apprentices are hugely motivated. They research thoroughly and share experiences widely. Companies that treat apprenticeships as strategic talent development will attract the best candidates. Those who see them as cheap labour will struggle.”