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.
25th Sep 2026
The apprenticeship career path has matured in recent years. In fact, more than half of all new apprentices in 2025/26 were aged 25 or over, suggesting that apprenticeships aren’t just for early careers but can also be a popular choice for career changers, too.
While school leavers and graduates still make up a significant share of apprentices, many of the best programmes now actively recruit across age groups.
Nearly 11,000 people searched for apprenticeships on Flexa in the last year; if you're one of them, our round-up of the best companies offering apprenticeships in 2026 will save you hours of research.
What makes a great apprenticeship employer?
What separates the genuinely great employers offering apprenticeships are the things beyond on-the-job training and salary. It’s factors like having a culture where early-career people are valued, clear progression opportunities once you've completed your training, and flexible working that makes the programme sustainable alongside study.
As we collated this list of the best apprenticeships employers, we noted that many also appear in our blogs about best employers for culture, wellbeing, and career development, which gives you a useful signal about what life there actually looks like.
The best companies offering apprenticeships in 2026
Accenture UK
Accenture UK invites thinkers, doers and innovators to reinvent industries, businesses, and organisations. The company fosters a culture where continuous learning, flexibility, and purposeful work come together — so you can grow personally, thrive professionally and lead change.
Accenture offers Degree Apprenticeships in technology or consulting, and a Level 6 AI Engineer Apprenticeship. If you perform well and complete the apprenticeship, you will be offered a full-time job in the relevant business area, according to their website.
Find out more about working at Accenture on their Flexa profile, see open roles here, or head to their website to register your interest in their 2027 apprenticeship programme.
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.
Airbus has carefully designed their apprenticeship programmes to give you valuable practical training while you complete your studies. It’s seen as the first step to a long-term, secure career that offers ongoing professional development and mentoring as well as training. Qualifications range from Level 2 (equivalent to GCSEs) through to Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
It’s not just engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships that are on offer; Airbus apprentices work across facilities management, human resources, procurement and business administration, too.
It’s considered one of the best companies offering apprenticeships because 91% of employees think Airbus is a good fit for people early on in their careers, and the same amount agree they have a good work-life balance, according to their Flexa verification scores.
Find out more about working at Airbus on their Flexa profile, see open roles here, or head to their website for more information about their 2027 apprenticeship programme — applications open on October 5.
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.
Anglian Water Services offers apprenticeships from Level 3 through to degree-level, giving apprentices hands-on experience in areas such as data science, engineering and infrastructure delivery.
It’s a good option for apprentices: 79% of employees think Anglian Water Services is a good fit for people early on in their careers, 70% say they have a collaborative and team-oriented culture, and 72% agree they have a good work-life balance.
Find out more about working at Anglian Water on their Flexa profile and see open roles with Anglian Water here. Get more details about their apprenticeships on their website, including the non-operational apprenticeship programme that’s open for applications, and their 2027 operational apprenticeship programme.
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.
Apprenticeships at BAE Systems involve coaching by some of the brightest minds in engineering, business, technology and manufacturing. They’ll equip you with the tools and support to help you grow and be at your best. And through a combination of hands-on work experiences and classroom-based learning, you’ll gain industry-recognised qualifications that range from entry-level up to degree.
Their apprenticeships for 2026 are now closed, but details of their 2027 apprenticeships will be released in January. In the meantime, find out more about working at BAE Systems on their Flexa profile, see open roles here, and get more information about BAE Systems apprenticeships on their website.
BT Group
BT Group is one of the UK’s leading telecommunications and network providers, made up of trusted brands including BT, EE, Openreach, and Plusnet.
Apprenticeships at BT Group span engineering, software engineering, service, transformation and delivery, and data and AI. The qualification varies by programme but ranges from Level 2 through to a degree apprenticeship.
Find out more about working at BT Group on their Flexa profile, see open roles here, and check their website for apprenticeship details.
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.
Centrica offers metering apprenticeships and gas service and repair engineering apprenticeships with British Gas.
At Centrica, 81% of employees rate the organisation as early career friendly, they rated the learning and development opportunities 69%, and 75% say they have a good work-life balance.
Find out more about working at Centrica on their Flexa profile, see open roles here, and head to their website for details about Centrica apprenticeships.
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.
Apprenticeships are available at EY in auditing, finance, finance operations, tax, technology risk, project delivery and digital enablement, and digital and technology. The 2026 programme is closed, but applications for 2027 will open soon.
Employees say EY is a good place to develop your career: 85% it’s a good fit for people early on in their careers, 70% feel career progression is a priority, and they rated employee benefits 78%.
Find out more about working at EY on their Flexa profile, see open roles here, and get more details of EY apprenticeships on their website.
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 is a leading player in the international drinks industry.
HEINEKEN offers apprenticeships and graduate programmes that launch throughout the year and cover areas including engineering, brewing, orcharding and digital.
Find out more about working at HEINEKEN UK on their Flexa profile, see open roles here, and check out their website for details of their apprenticeships when they launch.
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.
Mars UK offers apprenticeships across engineering, operations, data, health and safety, and customer service. Your time will be split, with 80% of your training happening on the job and 20% through further learning.
It’s a good place for apprentices to flourish: 95% of employees think Mars is a good fit for people early on in their careers, 86% agree that career progression is a priority, and 97% agree that they have a collaborative and team-orientated culture.
Find out more about working at Mars on their Flexa profile, see open roles here, and get more details about Mars UK apprenticeships on their website.
MBDA
As a leading company in the defence industry, MBDA delivers essential military capabilities for each branch of the Armed Forces — with specific expertise in missiles and missile systems.
MBDA apprenticeships focus on business, engineering, software and manufacturing. As part of the programme, you’ll move around the company in rotational placements, where you will gain a wider understanding of what MDBA does, build a network within the organisation and define your future career with them.
Find out more about working at MBDA on their Flexa profile, see open roles here, and get more details about MBDA apprenticeships on their website.
Merlin
From adrenaline-pumping rides to unforgettable days of wonder, what Merlin does is only possible because of their 20,000+ extraordinary teammates.
Merlin’s Engineering Academy blends structured learning, apprenticeships, hands-on experience and progression pathways to help engineers build specialist skills, gain recognised qualifications and progress their careers over time.
Find out more about working at Merlin on their Flexa profile, see open roles here, and head to their website for more details about Merlin’s Engineering Academy.
Mondelēz International
Mondelēz International will lead the future of snacking around the world by offering the right snack, for the right moment, made the right way. It’s home to some of the most iconic brands including Cadbury, Maynard’s Bassetts, Philadelphia and Ritz.
Apprenticeships at Mondelēz International range from level 3 to level 6 degree apprenticeships and are offered in roles across sales, research and development, supply chain, and reading scientific services (RSSL).
Find out more about working at Mondelēz International on their Flexa profile, see open roles here, and head to their website for more details about Mondelēz International’s apprenticeships.
Mott MacDonald
Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy.
Mott MacDonald’s apprenticeships let you get straight into world-changing projects while earning a salary and studying for a professionally recognised qualification. They offer degree apprenticeships across the UK, including a Scottish Degree Apprenticeship Programme, and advanced apprenticeships.
83% of employees think Mott MacDonald is a good fit for people early on in their careers, 78% agree that they have a collaborative and team-orientated culture, and 81% say they have a great office.
Find out more about working at Mott MacDonald on their Flexa profile, see open roles here, and head to their website for more details about Mott MacDonald apprenticeships.
NFU Mutual
NFU Mutual is a leading provider of General Insurance that also offers a variety of Financial Planning Services.
NFU Mutual apprenticeships combine paid work with structured learning, so you’ll gain a recognised qualification alongside real-world experience in areas such as technology, customer service and business operations.
They’re one of the strongest employers on our list for early careers: 90% of employees think NFU Mutual is a good fit for people early on in their careers, 91% say they have a good work-life balance, and 77% feel career progression is treated as a priority.
Find out more about working at NFU Mutual on their Flexa profile, see open roles here, and head to their website for more details about NFU Mutual apprenticeships.
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.
NHBC offers level 2 apprenticeships in bricklaying, timber frame installation, site carpentry and ground work — plus a level 3 apprenticeship in craft bricklaying and a level 4 apprenticeship in construction site supervision.
It’s also helpful to know that 78% of employees think NHBC is a good fit for people early on in their careers, 84% feel it’s an inclusive place to work, and they rated the learning and development opportunities 76/100.
Find out more about working at NHBC on their Flexa profile, see open roles here, and head to their website for more details about NHBC’s apprenticeships.
Northern
Northern connect tens of thousands of people in the North of England to work, leisure, education and more every day.
Northern offers apprenticeships across train driving, conducting, engineering and business support, and every new driver and conductor is supported through an apprenticeship qualification.
Northern is a great company for apprentices: 82% of employees think it’s a good fit for people early on in their careers, 64% agree that career progression is a priority, and 72% say Northern is proactive about improving social mobility.
Find out more about working at Northern on their Flexa profile, see open roles here, and head to their website for more details about Northern’s apprenticeships.
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.
Tesco offers apprenticeships across retail and finance. Their apprenticeships for existing colleagues are open year-round, but their Stronger Starts apprenticeships launch each autumn.
Find out more about working at Tesco on their Flexa profile, see open roles here, and head to their website for more details about Tesco apprenticeships.
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.
TUI Group offers apprenticeships in aircraft engineering, commercial, finance, operations, and retail. Their retail apprentice travel advisor opportunities are open year-round, but their other apprenticeships launch in January.
It’s a brilliant place to start your career: 92% of employees think TUI Group is a good fit for people early on in their careers, 85% say they have a good work-life balance, and they rated the learning and development opportunities 80/100.
Find out more about working at TUI on their Flexa profile, see open roles here, and head to their website for more details about TUI apprenticeships.
United Utilities
United Utilities provides great water for a stronger, greener and healthier North West. They pride themselves on providing structured early careers pathways through apprenticeships and beyond.
United Utilities offers apprenticeships from level 2 to 6, in subjects such as engineering, quantity surveying, town planning, and science and labs. Their 2027 opportunities haven’t opened yet, but you can sign up on their website to be notified when they do.
Find out more about working at United Utilities on their Flexa profile, see open roles here, and head to their website for more details about United Utilities apprenticeships.
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.
Virgin Media O2’s apprenticeships are open to everyone and range from network engineering, technical solutions and data analysis to product management, compliance, fraud, radio planning, and beyond.
Find out more about working at Virgin Media O2 on their Flexa profile, see open roles here, and head to their website for more details about Virgin Media O2 apprenticeships.
Vodafone
Virgin Media O2 is a leading international Telco serving 300 million customers. Their strong belief is that connectivity is a force for good, that can improve people’s lives and the world around them.
Vodafone apprenticeships are all level 6 and cover software engineering, data analytics, project management, and IT consultancy.
It’s a great company for apprenticeships: 87% of employees think Vodafone is a good fit for people early on in their careers, 90% feel it’s an inclusive place to work, and 83% say they have a good work-life balance.
Find out more about working at Vodafone on their Flexa profile, see open roles here, and head to their website for more details about Vodafone apprenticeships.
Other companies that offer apprenticeships
Brit Insurance
Brit is a leading global specialty insurer and reinsurer focused on underwriting complex risks.
Find out more about working at Brit Insurance on their Flexa profile and see open roles here.
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.
Find out more about working at Boomi on their Flexa profile and see open roles with Boomi here.
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.
Find out more about working at OVO on their Flexa profile and see open roles here.
SAP
SAP is a market leader in enterprise software, turning businesses into intelligent, sustainable enterprises.
Find out more about working at SAP on their Flexa profile and see open roles here.
tms
tms is the agency where technology, marketing and sourcing come together. With 1,400 people across 26 countries, tms works with some of the world's most iconic brands including McDonald's, adidas, T-Mobile, Starbucks, Vue and Virgin Media O2, creating over 110 million customer experiences every day.
Find out more about working at tms on their Flexa profile and see open roles here.
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.
Find out more about working at Vets for Pets on their Flexa profile and see open roles here.
Veramed
Veramed is a customer-driven Clinical Research Organisation (CRO) that provides high quality biostatistics and programming services for the pharmaceutical and biotech industry.
Find out more about working at Veramed on their Flexa profile and see open roles here.
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.
Are apprentices paid?
Yes. Apprentices earn a salary throughout their programme, and pay varies depending on the employer, industry, and level. Many employers pay above the statutory minimum and offer the same benefits package as permanent employees.
Why are these companies some of the best for apprenticeships?
Many employers on this score highly for being early career friendly. For example, 99% of Veramed employees, 92% of TUI Group employees and 90% of NFU Mutual employees think their company is a good fit for people early on in their careers. Beyond the scores, these employers offer recognised qualifications, pay a salary while you learn, and have clear routes into permanent roles once you finish.
How do I choose the right company for my apprenticeship?
Start with the qualification and career you want, then look at what the employer offers around it. It's worth checking the level of the apprenticeship, how much time you'll get to study, who you'll learn from day to day, and what happens when the programme ends. Culture matters too. You'll be learning while you work, so an employer that values early-career people and supports flexible working will make the programme far more manageable.
How can I tell if a company is good for apprentices before I apply?
Look for evidence from the people who already work there. On Flexa, you can see how employees rate a company for being early career friendly, and for learning and development, work-life balance and career progression. You can also look for specific details about the programme on the employer's website, such as the qualification you'll gain, the length of the scheme and any support available. If a company is vague about what their apprenticeship involves, ask them for clarification.
Will I get a job at the end of my apprenticeship?
It depends on the employer, which is why it's worth checking before you apply. Some companies on this list are very clear about it:
- Virgin Media O2: every field engineer apprentice who completes the programme is offered a permanent role.
- Northern: around 90% of engineering apprentices are offered a permanent role.
- Tesco: apprentices are on a permanent contract from the start.
- SAP: degree apprentices get support applying for a graduate role in their final year.
What questions should I ask at an apprenticeship interview?
Asking good questions helps you work out whether the company is right for you. You could ask:
- What does a typical week look like, and how much time is set aside for study?
- Who will be my mentor or line manager?
- What have previous apprentices gone on to do?
- How does the company support apprentices who are balancing work and study?
Is an apprenticeship a good option if I'm changing careers?
Yes. More than half of new apprentices in 2025/26 were aged 25 or over, so career changers are well represented. Look for employers that recruit across age groups and value transferable experience. Northern, for example, is rated a great place to work for over 50s by 85% of its employees.