FAQs

What are the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers and Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers?

The Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers and Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers are the league tables of the leading apprenticeship employers in England. They have been developed by the Department of Education, in partnership with High Fliers Research.

Why are the rankings being compiled?

As more and more organisations in England choose to employ apprentices to develop their workforce, the 2022 rankings will recognise the employers that are making the greatest commitment to apprenticeships and benchmark successful apprenticeship employment in different industries and business sectors.

What are the minimum entry requirements for employers?

There are two categories – one for larger employers with 250 employees or more that employ a minimum of 25 apprentices in England, and one for SME employers with 10-249 employees that employ a minimum of 3 apprentices in England. The resulting rankings will be the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers and the Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers for 2022.

How will employers be assessed?

Employers will provide details of the number of apprentices they currently employ, the number of new apprenticeships they have created over the last 12 months, the diversity of these new apprentices, and the progression of their apprentices onto further apprenticeships and employment. This data will be used to calculate the rankings for the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers and the Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers.

Can we enter if my organisation doesn't meet the minimum entry requirements?

Entries cannot be accepted from larger employers that don’t currently employ at least 25 apprentices in England or from SME employers that don’t currently employ at least 3 apprentices in England.

My organisation hasn't recruited any new apprentices over the last 12 months, can we still enter?

Yes, provided your organisation meets the minimum entry requirements. The rankings take into account several different aspects of apprenticeship employment, not just recruitment of new apprentices.

Are we able to enter if we employ apprentices in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?

Entries for the rankings should only refer to apprentices employed in England. Apprentices employed in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland cannot be included.

Should I submit a separate entry for each part of my organisation?

Only one entry is allowed per employer. A subsidiary company may apply on behalf of the parent group, but this then excludes the parent group from applying. More than one subsidiary of the parent group may enter, as long as the entry references only the apprenticeship programme that is delivered wholly by that subsidiary.

How can I submit an entry?

Entries must be submitted using the official Entry Form on www.topapprenticeshipemployers.co.uk

What is the cost of entering?

For 2022, it is free of charge – there is no cost for apprenticeship employers to enter.

Can I email my entry instead?

No, entries must be made on the official website and cannot be accepted in other ways.

What is the entry deadline?

All entries must be submitted by 5pm on Friday 25th March 2022.

Do I have to answer all the questions on the entry form?

It is important to include as much information as possible on the entry form and all questions need to be completed.

Will the data I submit remain confidential?

Information supplied in entries that are ranked in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers and the Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers may be published or announced during the broadcast launching the new rankings and in subsequent associated publicity. Commercially sensitive information will not be shared.

My organisation doesn't have a Companies House number, does that matter?

If your organisation isn't registered at Companies House, for example because it is a partnership or you are a sole trader, then you should leave this box blank.

What is the follow-up data check by email or telephone for?

The follow-up data check by email or telephone forms part of the independent verification process for all entries for the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers and the Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers.

Is the follow-up data check compulsory?

It is a requirement of entry that employers agree to take part in the data check by email or telephone.

When will the follow-up data check by email or telephone take place?

After your entry has been submitted, you will be contacted by a researcher for your follow-up data check. This may include a telephone interview which will typically take place within 2-4 weeks of your original entry.

What happens during the telephone interview?

You will speak to a researcher and the interview will include a short discussion about the data that you provided in your entry. This will usually last 10-15 minutes.

How will the new rankings be announced?

The new rankings will be announced during a special live broadcast in the summer of 2022.

How can I watch the launch broadcast?

Full details will be sent directly to all employers who have entered for the rankings nearer the time.