The government has revealed who the best apprenticeship training providers in the UK are.

It based the league table on the number of apprentices they provide, their commitment to diversity, and the achievements of their trainees. 

Education secretary Gillian Keegan, who was an apprentice herself when she was younger, congratulated all the employers on the league table. 

“These employers … recognise the benefits apprentices can bring to their business, helping to create a talent pipeline and filling skills gaps to grow the economy,” she stated.

Ms Keegan added: “I would encourage all businesses – no matter what size or sector – to follow their lead.”

Among the employers included in the government’s top ten apprenticeship providers for 2023 were The British Army, BT, the Royal Navy, Deloitte, Department for Work and Pensions, and the Royal Air Force. 

PwC, the Go-Ahead Group, EY and Nissan also made it into the top ten. 

Bus operator Stagecoach was included in the top 100 for the second year in a row. It currently has 1,200 apprentices, which is the highest number it has offered in the 20 years it has provided its training scheme. 

Small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) employers were also recognised for their apprenticeship programmes.

Lee Marley Brickwork, PM+M Solutions for Business, FD Works, Bodystreet, and Less than Zero Barbers were named in the top five SME Apprenticeship Employers for 2023.