Top 10: Manufacturing Apprenticeship Schemes in the UK

In manufacturing apprenticeships are vital for both aspiring workers and companies.

The industry both globally and in the UK continues to grapple with an ongoing skills gap during rapid technological transformation. 

With this in mind, we at Manufacturing Digital have taken the time to highlight ten manufacturers that are leading the way on apprenticeships, offering tailored, specialist support, vital qualifications and hands-on training. 

With many expanding their schemes this year, these manufacturers are contributing to the revitalisation of UK industry and helping to build the manufacturing workforce of the future. 

10. Network Rail

• Revenue: £11.5bn (US$14bn)

• Employees: 40,966+

• CEO: Andrew Haines

• Founded: 2002

This year, as Britain's Railway celebrates its 200th anniversary, the company seeks to recruit recruit 2,000 apprentices and at least 10,000 more over the next five years.

This is part of Railway 200, a year-long programme aimed at boosting the next generation of talent in the UK. 

Announced for #NationalApprenticeshipWeek, the manufacturing apprenticeships on offer will primarily come from Network Rail, which maintains, updates and improves the UK's railways. 

From Level 3 apprenticeships that address rail infrastructure operations to level 6 apprenticeships that provide critical skills in digital technologies and engineering, these opportunities provide individuals with hands-on experience in rail infrastructure.

Apprentices gain skills in areas such as mechanical and electrical engineering, alongside safety and operational expertise.

The railway seeks to be more representative of the society it serves and is striving to attract more women, people from ethnic minorities and those with neurodiversity.

This increase in apprenticeship comes at a transformative time for UK railways, with the UK government announcing plans to bring most passenger train operators under public ownership. 

Nationalisation starts this year and is expected to finish in 2027.

“Apprenticeships provide a fantastic opportunity for people to start their careers in a variety of roles in rail," says Jacqueline Starr, Chief Executive Officer of Rail Delivery Group.

"The rail industry plays a vital role in connecting communities and supporting the economy, and we need a diverse range of skills and perspectives to create the workforce of the future.

“As we celebrate the railway’s rich heritage, we’re looking to the future, investing in our people to help us deliver the high-quality, innovative service that passengers expect.”

9. Bakkavor

• Revenue: £2.29bn (US$2.8bn)

• Employees: 18,000

• CEO: Mike Edwards

• Founded: 1986

Bakkavor, the global food manufacturer that produces private label brands for Waitrose, M&S, Tesco and Sainsbury's has committed itself to boosting the manufacturing workforce in the UK. 

In fact as part of #NationalApprenticeshipWeek the company has announced it will introduce 74 new apprenticeship roles for 2025, strengthening key skills across its operations. 

There will be 23 roles in engineering, ten in manufacturing and eleven in finance, along with other critical fields such as supply chain management, processing and data analysis. Apprentices contribute to key business activities and projects whilst earning a salary and studying for nationally recognised qualifications.

The manufacturer has split its programmes into two key levels, Advanced Apprenticeships which are tailored to school leavers and industry newcomers and Higher Apprenticeships, designed to help develop specialist knowledge in workers. 

Bakkavor is bringing these apprenticeships into factories spanning Scotland to Somerset, addressing the industry skills gap and enhancing valuable life skills through community and charity initiatives.

 “At Bakkavor, we recognise the vital role that skills like engineering, manufacturing, and business operations play in shaping the UK’s future workforce," says Donna-Maria Lee, Chief People Officer at Bakkavor.

"These are the areas that power innovation, drive efficiency, and enable industries to stay competitive on a global stage.

“Our Apprenticeship Programme represents an important investment in people and their potential. By providing a combination of practical training, professional qualifications, and real-world experience, we are equipping individuals with the tools they need to build meaningful and lasting careers.

"We are proud to support the development of future talent, not just for Bakkavor, but for the wider economy.”

8. MTC

• Revenue: £116.5m (US$144.4m)

• Employees: 1,000+

• CEO: Graham Hoare OBE

• Founded: 2010

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) is renowned for providing comprehensive manufacturing apprenticeships in state-of-the-art facilities. 

A leader in manufacturing innovation and research, MTC provides expert training to apprentices who can choose between a diversity of programmes designed for engineering newcomers and those seeking to refine specialist skills. 

Last year MTC in collaboration with the University of Birmingham was awarded funding to design a new Degree Apprenticeship in Manufacturing Engineering.

Both organisations worked together to collaboratively design a Level 6 qualification focused on materials science and manufacturing, awarded by the Office for Students. 

The content has been specifically designed to enable learners to help solve some of the most prominent challenges in manufacturing today, like the need for sustainable aviation and recyclable rare earth magnets. 

This collaboration is built on MTC's foundation of exceptional apprenticeships, delivering seven programmes across levels 2, 3 and 4. 

"Harnessed in the right way, UK manufacturing will be a game-changer in maximising green economic opportunities," says David Grailey, Managing Director at MTC Training.

"But to achieve this, manufacturers need people with both academic and practical knowledge to make high-performance products for burgeoning industries.

"By designing a new apprenticeship with the University of Birmingham, manufacturers will be able to access the skilled engineers they need to grow and flourish now and in the future.”

7. GSK ( Glaxo Smith Kline)

• Revenue: £31.38bn (US$38.95bn)
• Employees: 70,000+
• CEO: Dame Emma Walmsley
• Founded: 2000

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) offers a range of apprenticeship programmes across various sectors, including engineering, manufacturing, laboratory sciences and business operations.

These apprenticeships combine on-the-job experience with classroom learning, leading to nationally recognised qualifications such as NVQs and BTECs.

GSK provides structured development, enabling apprentices to work with cutting-edge technology in pharmaceutical manufacturing and scientific research.

Participants gain practical skills in a global healthcare leader, with opportunities for career progression and further education. 

GSK's commitment to supporting the future of manufacturing through apprenticeships is well documented.

In 2022, the manufacturer famously harnessed the UK Government's Apprenticeship Levy to support 200 people across 40 plus SME's to gain vital skills and qualifications. 

6. Unilever

• Revenue: €31.12bn (US$33.21bn)

• Employees: 128,000

• CEO: Hein Schumacher 

• Founded: 1929

Unilever offers a diverse range of manufacturing apprenticeship programmes across the UK, including 23 different pathways from Level 3 to Level 6 Degree Apprenticeships.

These programmes span across nine business functions and locations, including Port Sunlight, Bedfordshire, Leeds, Surrey and London.

In addition to school leaver apprenticeships, Unilever provides upskilling opportunities for its existing workforce.

Approximately 90% of apprentices secure full-time roles or further education within a year and the company actively promotes opportunities to schools, aiming to diversify its talent pool.

5. Nissan

• Revenue: JPY12,700bn (US$86.36bn)
• Employees: 133,580
• CEO: Makoto Uchida
• Founded: 1933

At the centre of Nissan's apprenticeship initiatives in the UK are its Sunderland plant, which is the core of the automakers UK manufacturing operations. 

Employing over 6,000 employees, it boasts a world-leading production plant and a sophisticated network of global systems. 

In 2023, Nissan's Sunderland factory offered a record amount of apprenticeships, providing 140 new manufacturing jobs. 

These apprenticeships spanned manufacturing, engineering, maintenance and business administration. 

Today Nissan continues to offer a comprehensive array of apprenticeship programmes in the UK, where apprentices gain hands-on experience and formal qualifications, with opportunities for career progression.

Nissan has programmes that support vital skill development, innovation and sustainability within its UK operations.

4. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) 

• Revenue: £29bn (US$35.9bn)

• Employees: 38,379 

• CEO: Adrian Mardell 

• Founded: 2008

To mark #NationalApprenticeshipWeek in 2024, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) expanded its UK apprenticeship schemes by 50 places, providing 350 in total. 

The manufacturer reintroduced Level Four Higher Apprenticeships for BTEC and T‑Level students alongside those with A‑Level maths. These apprenticeships focus on manufacturing engineering, broadening the field of opportunities at JLR.

Additionally, JLR introduced a new Supply Chain and Procurement Degree Apprenticeship, designed to help enhance the planning, resilience and sustainability of the company’s future global supply network. 

These initiatives have been driven by the company's investment in electrification and the future of UK manufacturing, wanting to see further expansion and development of both. 

In 2025 JLR will continue to build on its existing apprenticeships for the next generation of talent.

"Central to JLR’s Reimagine strategy is our passion for giving people from all backgrounds the opportunity to have a fantastic and fulfilling career at JLR," says 
Caroline Leslie, JLR Global Head of Early Careers.

"Our ambition is to inspire the next generation of proud creators who will create exceptional experiences for our clients through our next generation modern luxury vehicles."

3. Rolls Royce

• Revenue (2023): £16.48bn (US$20.5bn)
• Employees: 50,000
• CEO: Tufan Erginbilgic
• Founded: 1904

For more than 100 years, apprentices has been a vital part of the Rolls-Royce workforce.

The company offers manufacturing apprenticeships today that provide hands-on training and development in advanced engineering and manufacturing.

Apprentices gain invaluable experience working alongside experts in cutting-edge technology and precision manufacturing processes. 

Participants gain vital skills across machining, assembly and quality control, preparing them for successful careers in aerospace and engineering.

Rolls-Royce apprenticeships emphasize innovation, sustainability and the development of future leaders in UK manufacturing.

Prior to the start of its 2024 apprenticeships, Rolls-Royce gave its apprentices a warm welcome at its headquarters in Goodwood- a practice the company is likely to continue this year. 

“Starting an Apprenticeship can be a daunting process," explained Mark Adams, Director of Human Resources, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

" This event, which was inspired by feedback from current Apprentices, aims to make the transition easier for our new intake, by giving them a chance to familiarise themselves with the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood and get to know us a little better before their official start date in August."

2. Siemens 

• Revenue: US$83.49bn
• Employees: 312,000
• CEO: Roland Busch
• Founded: 1847

Siemens offers a range of manufacturing apprenticeships in the UK, focusing on advanced engineering, digitalisation and sustainable manufacturing.

Apprentices gain hands-on experience in areas such as electrical and mechanical engineering, automation and manufacturing processes, working across Siemens' cutting-edge facilities.

The program includes tailored learning, industry-recognised qualifications and exposure to innovative technologies like AI and IoT. 

Siemens is a global leader in digital manufacturing, meaning it has the expertise and experience to effectively help address the digital skills gap in UK manufacturing. 

In 2024, Siemens Mobility welcomed record numbers of apprentices to its new rail village in Goole, where new Piccadilly line trains are currently being assembled for the London Underground. 

The recruitment included 22 apprentices, the highest number recruited by Siemens Mobility in the UK for a single site in a year. 

This development highlights Siemens's commitments to furthering the experience, skills and knowledge of the UK manufacturing industry. 

 “We’re excited to welcome all these new recruits to our growing team in Goole," says Mark Speed, General Manager of Siemens Mobility at Goole.

“Bringing on board so many talented young people demonstrates our commitment to creating new opportunities to join the UK rail industry and help to shape its future.

“These new team members represent a major investment in creating a powerful pipeline of talent and a lasting legacy of skills for our business and the wider industry."

1. BAE Systems

• Revenue (2023): £23.1bn (US$16.6bn)

• Employees: 93,000

• CEO: Charles Woodburn

• Founded: 1999 

BAE Systems to mark #NationalApprenticeshipWeek surveyed 2,000 people from 16-24 from the UK to better understand their perspectives on career paths.

The results highlighted that attitudes to apprenticeships were overwhelmingly positive, with 60% preferring them over university and 80% believing they  improve social mobility.

In alignment with this, the manufacturer has continued to invest in and grow its comprehensive array of UK apprenticeship schemes spanning engineering to production to the broader supply chain.

The manufacturer is recruiting for more than 2,400 new apprentice, undergraduate and graduate roles in 2025, which will result in around 6,500 in training, making up approximately 15% of its UK workforce.

This will strengthen the company's position as one of the UK's  largest manufacturing apprenticeship providers, ranked 6th in the Department for Education's 2024 Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers.

"It’s clear there’s a huge appetite for high quality vocational training that provides a clear career pathway, whilst offering financial security," says Richard Hamer, HR Director of Education and Skills, BAE Systems.

"I’d encourage anyone interested in apprenticeships to have a look at the thousands of highly valuable opportunities available across the country."

In a blog on the company's website, he added that: "Apprenticeships help us grow our own specialist technical skills. Currently, we are training more than 3,000 apprentices, the most at any time in our history.

"With a 95 per cent completion rate, our apprenticeships are highly sought after and we are proud to be rated an “outstanding training provider” by Ofsted."

BAE Systems's apprenticeships span manufacturing to the supply chain to experimental fields like aerospace, all informed by an acute understanding of how digital transformation is reshaping the sector. 

The company is hosting an Apprenticeship Open Evening at its Submarines Academy from on the 17th of February, designed to connect current apprentices with those considering. 

Attendees will discover more about the diversity of manufacturing apprenticeships BAE Systems has on offer and be able to speak to key representatives. 

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