UK’s Top Apprenticeship Employers for 2025 Announced, Recognising Industry Commitment to Skills Development
Employers across the UK have been honoured by the government for their exceptional dedication to developing apprenticeships, as the Department for Education unveiled the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers and Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers for 2025.
The annual rankings, delivered in partnership with RateMyApprenticeship, spotlight the organisations delivering the most impactful and inclusive apprenticeship programmes in England. This year marks a significant evolution in the process, with apprentices themselves contributing feedback for the first time — providing insight into the quality and impact of their workplace experiences.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson praised the initiative, stating:
“Congratulations to all the employers recognised for their outstanding apprenticeship programmes. They are delivering the skilled workforce we need to deliver our number one mission to grow the economy, and breaking down barriers for young people across the country.
For the first time, the voices of apprentices themselves were front and centre in showcasing where employers are raising the bar in quality and experience. These rankings are a testament to what can be achieved when businesses invest in people, and the transformative power of apprenticeships in delivering our Plan for Change.”
Top Employers Leading the Way
The 2025 rankings are led by Mitchells & Butlers, the hospitality company taking the No.1 spot in the Top 100 list. Meanwhile, MCFT, a specialist in catering equipment maintenance, was named the top SME apprenticeship employer for its trailblazing work in skills development within its sector.
Top 10 Apprenticeship Employers 2025:
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Mitchells & Butlers
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BAE Systems
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Amazon
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John Lewis Partnership
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Busy Bees Childcare
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Department for Work and Pensions
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GXO Logistics
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Whitbread
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McDonald’s
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PwC
Top 5 SME Apprenticeship Employers 2025:
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MCFT
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Smailes Goldie
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MDS Ltd
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PM+M Solutions for Business LLP
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Forbury Gardens Day Nursery
Employer Testimonials
Susan Martindale, Group HR Director at Mitchells & Butlers, expressed pride in their top placement:
“We are incredibly honoured to be recognised as the UK’s number one apprenticeship employer for 2025. At Mitchells & Butlers, our apprentices aren’t just part of our business – they are the future of our business.
Through our apprenticeship programmes, we’ve created pathways for people to earn while they learn, gaining valuable skills and confidence… This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team in creating meaningful career opportunities across our brands.”
Chris Craggs, Founder of MCFT, highlighted their strategic focus on nurturing talent:
“Being named the number one SME employer of apprentices is a tremendous honour… We were committed to providing the best place where people wanted to come and learn, giving them hands-on skills and experience…
This recognition reinforces our belief in investing in long-term talent, not just meeting the needs of today. We couldn’t be prouder of all our apprentices and the positive impact they continue to make.”
BAE Systems, which placed second overall, echoed the importance of apprenticeships in developing future-ready skills.
Richard Hamer, HR Director, Education & Skills, noted:
“We are proud to have a record 4,600 apprentices currently in learning with us… These apprenticeships create pathways to highly valuable life-long careers for young people from all backgrounds whilst supporting economic growth across the UK.”
A Broad Industry Representation
This year’s rankings drew submissions from a wide range of industries — including hospitality, retail, professional services, logistics, childcare, and manufacturing — and featured employers from the private, public, and voluntary sectors.
To view the full lists of the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers and Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers for 2025, visit: top-apprenticeshipemployers.co.uk.
