The government has published its list of the top 100 apprenticeship employers in 2020 - with the British Army securing the number one slot. 

The ranking list aims to celebrate the country’s outstanding large apprenticeship employers, and covers employers from the public and private sector in industries such as engineering, banking, healthcare, retailing, local government and accountancy, and the charity sector. 

New in 2020, the list is published to help potential apprentices, parents and careers advisers to identify the best apprenticeship opportunities with the highest-performing apprentice employers. It was developed, assessed and compiled in partnership with High Fliers Research. Over 400 applications were received, with the results announced at a special online event broadcast earlier today.

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The British Army supported around 8,000 apprenticeships in 2019-2020, with almost a fifth of its workforce currently completing apprenticeship programmes as part of their military training - in areas including engineering, telecommunications, logistics, construction, health and IT.

Prime minister Boris Johnson said: “Now, more than ever, we should celebrate businesses who are driving our efforts to build a stronger, fairer and more competitive economy. High-quality apprenticeships give people from all backgrounds and ages a real choice in life, providing them with the skills employers value, which our economy needs, and which lead to better-paid jobs.

“These modern employers are at the heart of levelling up our workforce, and with the extra support we are providing will help the country build back better from coronavirus.”

Apprenticeships and skills minister Gillian Keegan said: “A huge congratulations to all those businesses featured in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers rankings. It is fantastic to see the British Army recognised for its incredible support for apprentices and the apprenticeships programme.

“Apprenticeships help business of all sizes to grow, and give people of all ages and backgrounds a chance to learn new skills and get ahead in their chosen career.

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“They will continue to play a vital role in delivering the skills individuals and the economy needs to thrive after coronavirus. I hope this initiative highlights the crucial role of apprenticeships in bringing in new talent and supporting our economic recovery, and encourages even more employers to get involved.”

Colonel Kate George, assistant head of learning and development at the British Army, said: “In the British Army, we view people as the army, not in the army, so we are passionate about our soldiers’ professional development. Our myriad apprenticeships play a critical part in developing the skills our soldiers need to succeed in their careers and on operations. The army also benefits because our soldiers gain so much from the apprenticeship - not just in learning a new trade, but also in developing their own self-confidence and leadership abilities.

 “Entering the Top 100 awards provides an opportunity to reflect on our own apprenticeship achievements but also it gives employers the chance to celebrate the achievements of their staff and their apprentices, and the vital role we have as an employer in contributing to changing lives.” 

The top 10 apprenticeship employers 2020

1. British Army
2. HMRC
3. Royal Navy
4. BT
5. MTR Elizabeth Line
6. Mazars LLP
7. Optionis Group
8. Mitchells and Butlers
9. Greene King

10. Royal Air Force

You can see the full list of 100 employers here.