Top ranking apprenticeship employers have been revealed after the publication of the new leaderboard – with
BAE Systems topping the list for 2026.
The annual Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers and Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers for 2026 was published today by the Department for Work and Pensions in partnership with careers site Higherin.
The lists showcase employers who are opening up career pathways and delivering skilled workers through apprenticeships across the country.
The lists highlight the breadth of careers young people can kickstart with an apprenticeship, with defence and security specialist BAE Systems named the country’s number one apprenticeship employer for 2026. Construction firm LJ Construction Carpentry Contractors Ltd was named this year’s top SME apprenticeship employer.
The government is boosting the number of apprenticeship opportunities available to young people as a priority, building the skilled, motivated workforce that businesses and the economy need.
Minister for Skills, Baroness Jacqui Smith said: “From household names to ambitious local businesses, these organisations show what is possible when employers put skills at the heart of their growth. The skills, confidence and professional networks that apprenticeships provide give young people their first step onto the career ladder, and the foundation for a rewarding, lifelong career. Our reforms are giving employers the freedom to invest in talent, and together we’re building a workforce ready for the future.”
Other companies named in the top ten included Sellafiled Ltd, JLR, Netwrok Rail and the Go-ahead group amongst others.
By reforming the Growth and Skills Levy to give employers greater flexibility and funding incentives of up to £8,000 per young apprentice, the government says it is making it easier than ever for businesses to take on the next generation of apprentices. Additional support is available for smaller businesses to help them build the talent pipeline they need to grow.
The Government says these reforms are the biggest transformation of the system in a decade to ensure it is fit for purpose, delivers value for money, and gives businesses the flexibility they need to invest in the talent that will drive growth.
Central to this is a refocusing of investment towards equipping young people with the skills needed for priority sectors, with foundation apprenticeship units in key sectors including construction, engineering and manufacturing and digital opening up more opportunities than ever before.
Tania Gandamihardja, Group Human Resources Director at BAE Systems, commented: “We’re honoured to be named the top apprenticeship employer in England. Apprenticeships are one of the most powerful tools we have – not just for bringing brilliant people into our workforce, but for making sure those opportunities are open to everyone.
“Our apprentices are an incredibly important part of the BAE Systems team, and this recognition shows how committed we are to making the programme a success year-in, year-out.”