Who can apply for an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are open to school leavers, graduates, and career changers, with no upper age limit. Anyone aged 16 or over who meets the entry requirements can apply, making apprenticeships a flexible option for people at different stages of their career.

Do apprenticeships pay a salary?

Yes, apprenticeships are paid roles. Apprentices earn a salary while they learn, and pay varies depending on the employer, industry, and level of the apprenticeship. Many companies pay above the statutory apprenticeship wage and offer the same benefits as other employees.

How long does an apprenticeship last?

Most apprenticeships last between 12 months and 4 years, depending on the level and qualification. Intermediate and advanced apprenticeships tend to be shorter, while higher and degree apprenticeships usually take longer due to the academic component.

What happens after an apprenticeship?

After completing an apprenticeship, many people move into a permanent role with their employer or progress into a higher-level position. Others use their qualification and experience to apply for roles elsewhere, with apprenticeships often leading to strong long-term career prospects.

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The best companies offering apprenticeships in 2026

Choosing the right apprenticeship can shape your entire career and with so many companies offering programmes, knowing where to start isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best companies offering apprenticeships , highlighting employers that go beyond the basics.

31st Oct 2025

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a structured training programme that allows you to earn while you learn, combining paid work with formal learning and on-the-job experience. Apprenticeships are available across a wide range of industries and career levels, offering a practical alternative to traditional education routes while helping people build real skills and long-term careers.

Which companies offer apprenticeships?

Airbus: Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2020, it generated revenues of €49.9 billion and employed a workforce of around 150,000.

Anglian Water Services: Anglian Water Services is building a more resilient future. By 2030, they will have prepared two new reservoirs for construction, and their extended strategic pipeline will ensure the region stays resilient to drought.

BAE Systems: BAE Systems makes the future more secure for everyone by creating bold, pioneering security products and services that can change the world we live in.

Boomi: Boomi helps organisations radically simplify the complexity of enterprise software. As the data activation company, Boomi brings data to life by integrating and governing it to power everything from AI to BI.

Centrica: Centrica is a family of brands, revolutionising how we power the planet. They're made up of eight brilliant businesses that each make their own impact across every stage of the energy chain.

EY UK: EY's purpose is to build a better working world. Through the insights and services they provide, EY helps create long-term value for people and society while building trust and confidence in the capital markets.

HEINEKEN UK: As the UK’s leading beer, cider and pub business, HEINEKEN is home to some of the world’s best-loved beers and ciders, and a leading player in the international drinks industry.

MBDA: As a leading company in the defence industry, they deliver essential military capabilities for each branch of the Armed Forces — with specific expertise in missiles and missile systems.

Mars UK: For more than a century, Mars has been driven by the belief that the world they want tomorrow starts with how they do business today. Today, Mars is transforming, innovating, and evolving in ways that affirm their commitment to making a positive impact on the world around them.

Merlin: From adrenaline-pumping rides to unforgettable days of wonder, what Merlin does is only possible because of their 20,000+ extraordinary teammates.

Microsoft UK: Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more.

Mott MacDonald: Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy.

NFU Mutual: NFU Mutual is a leading provider of General Insurance that also offers a variety of Financial Planning Services.

NHBC: NHBC is the UK's leading provider of warranty and insurance for new-build homes. Their purpose is to raise standards in house-building by championing high-quality homes and protecting homeowners.

Northern: Northern connect tens of thousands of people in the North of England to work, leisure, education and more every day.

OVO: OVO launched in 2009 with a belief that energy could be better. Since then they’ve welcomed over four million members, planted 5 million trees and set their sights on helping to save the planet.

SAP: A market leader in enterprise software, SAP turns businesses into intelligent, sustainable enterprises. Their applications and services enable business and public customers across 25 industries to operate profitably and adapt continuously.

Tesco: Tesco was built with a simple mission – to be the champion for customers, helping them to enjoy a better quality of life and an easier way of living.

TUI Group: TUI Group is a leading global travel and leisure company, with 1,200 travel agencies, around 130 planes, over 400 hotels, 16 cruise liners, various digital platforms for leisure activities, and a team of over 60,000 talented colleagues worldwide.

Veramed: Veramed is a customer-driven Clinical Research Organisation (CRO) that provides high quality biostatistics and programming services for the pharmaceutical and biotech industry.

Vets for Pets: Vets for Pets is one of the UK’s largest veterinary groups, with a national network of over 450 locally owned, locally operated practices. Their community of over 600 Practice Owners are supported to run their practices, their way.

Virgin Media O2: Virgin Media O2 is an award-winning fibre broadband provider & telecommunications company. They manage 47 million UK connections across broadband, mobile, TV and home phone and have around 18,000 colleagues.

Vodafone: Vodafone is a leading international Telco serving 300 million customers. Their strong belief is that connectivity is a force for good.

FAQs about apprenticeships

Who can apply for an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are open to school leavers, graduates, and career changers, with no upper age limit. Anyone aged 16 or over who meets the entry requirements can apply, making apprenticeships a flexible option for people at different stages of their career.
Do apprenticeships pay a salary?
Yes, apprenticeships are paid roles. Apprentices earn a salary while they learn, and pay varies depending on the employer, industry, and level of the apprenticeship. Many companies pay above the statutory apprenticeship wage and offer the same benefits as other employees.
How long does an apprenticeship last?
Most apprenticeships last between 12 months and 4 years, depending on the level and qualification. Intermediate and advanced apprenticeships tend to be shorter, while higher and degree apprenticeships usually take longer due to the academic component.
What happens after an apprenticeship?
After completing an apprenticeship, many people move into a permanent role with their employer or progress into a higher-level position. Others use their qualification and experience to apply for roles elsewhere, with apprenticeships often leading to strong long-term career prospects.