To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we’re spotlighting the top organisations for apprenticeships which are investing in the youth talent pipeline.
.Through our career pathways and mentoring programmes, Urban Synergy has helped young people access apprenticeships, internships and work experience opportunities with industry-leading employers, including LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group), Goldman Sachs, Salesforce, Citi Bank, Thomson Reuters, UK Power Networks, PwC, WTW, ITN, Legal & General, FTI Consulting and M&G. These corporate partners have opened doors for mentees, helping them gain early exposure to professional environments and, in many cases, secure apprenticeships and career building placements.
Each year, the Department for Education and partners publish the Top Apprenticeship Employers list, highlighting employers with exceptional apprenticeship programmes that prioritise quality, diversity and positive outcomes. The 2025 rankings showcase a wide range of industries — from hospitality and engineering to logistics and professional services — proving that apprenticeships truly open doors in every sector.
Leading apprenticeship employers
Some of the top organisations for apprenticeships recognised for their commitment to apprenticeships in 2025 include:
- Mitchells & Butlers, the UK’s number one apprenticeship employer — a hospitality giant combining structured development with on-the-job learning.
- BAE Systems, offering apprenticeships from welding to software and cyber engineering across the UK.
- Amazon and the John Lewis Partnership, showing how major retail brands are investing in future talent.
- Department for Work and Pensions and GXO Logistics UK, demonstrating strong apprenticeships in public sector and logistics roles.
Other notable names include Whitbread, McDonald’s and Busy Bees Childcare, offering diverse apprenticeship pathways across sectors.
Why apprenticeships matter
Apprenticeships give individuals the chance to earn while they learn, gaining hands-on experience, recognised qualifications, and the confidence to thrive in their chosen fields. Many of the top organisations for apprenticeships and leading employers use apprenticeship programmes to develop strong talent pipelines, address skills shortages, and build more diverse, capable workforces.
Angel’s journey with Urban Synergy took her from a South London schoolgirl unsure of her future to securing a full-time Software Engineering Apprenticeship at Thomson Reuters — earning while she learns, gaining real industry skills, and building financial independence without student debt.
Our Apprenticeship Insights Webinar was a fantastic opportunity for young people and parents to find out more about apprenticeship pathways and careers. Attendees heard directly from current apprentices about their experiences and workplace expectations. The session helped demystify apprenticeships, highlight their value in building skills and career confidence, and equip families with the knowledge to support next steps. Events like this help to play an important role in connecting learners with real insights, inspiration and how to access opportunities.
Inspiring the next generation of volunteers
Beyond economic impact, apprenticeships also advance social mobility by offering alternative routes into rewarding careers for young people who might otherwise face barriers accessing opportunities. When combined with mentoring and professional preparation, apprenticeships empower individuals to build futures they once thought were out of reach.
For 40 years, National Apprenticeship Week has celebrated and thanked the incredible volunteers who strengthen communities across the UK. Today, 14.2 million people formally volunteer each month, while 25 million give their time informally each year — contributing an estimated £4.6 billion in productivity to the economy. Volunteering doesn’t just help others; 77% of volunteers report improved mental health and wellbeing, and young people say it reduces feelings of isolation. It also boosts confidence, employability, and life satisfaction, with research linking it to longer, healthier lives. As formal volunteering declines, there is a growing call to inspire the next generation to get involved.
Want to help more young people like Angel through mentoring and apprenticeship pathways? Partner with us and make opportunities visible.