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. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners.

Anglian Water Services: Anglian Water Services are 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. Every step they take is focused on improving the lives of the people they serve.

NFU Mutual: NFU Mutual are a leading provider of General Insurance that also offer a variety of Financial Planning Services

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

BMT: BMT exists to navigate the most important and impactful engineering challenges of our time. They create environments where people with outstanding technical knowledge deliver meaningful, practical solutions.

Boomi: Helping companies around the world connect data, people, and devices quickly and easily to advance digital transformation and deliver great customer experiences.

EY: At EY, their 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 are 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 and Mars France : For more than a century, Mars, Incorporated has been driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. This idea is at the centre of who they have always been as a global, family-owned business. Today, Mars is transforming, innovating, and evolving in ways that affirm our commitment to making a positive impact on the world around us.

Merlin Entertainments: Merlin Entertainments is the global leader in branded entertainment, and it takes our 30,000 amazing teammates around the world to bring our attractions to life.

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

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

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. In 2019 they launched Plan Zero - their sustainability plan.

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.

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. Their passion is making holiday dreams come true for our 21 million customers.

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

Virgin Media O2: VMO2 are 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, working hard to provide the very best connectivity to our valued customers.

Vodafone: Vodafone is a leading international Telco serving 300 million customers. Their strong belief is that connectivity is a force for good. If we use it for the things that really matter, it can improve people's lives and the world around us.

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.