Top 50 SME and 100 Professional Service apprenticeship employers

Apprenticeships have become an increasingly popular pathway for individuals seeking hands-on experience and professional development while pursuing their career goals. In the professional service sector, several renowned companies and SMEs in the UK have emerged as leaders in providing exceptional professional service apprenticeship opportunities. Let's take a closer look at some of these top apprenticeship employers and what they offer.

 

Top 100 Professional Service Apprenticeship Employers

PWC (Rank: 4th)

PWC, a British multinational professional services brand, is highly regarded for its comprehensive apprenticeship program. They offer apprenticeship levels 4, 6, and 7, allowing individuals to gain practical experience while working towards recognised qualifications. As of March 2023, PWC reported that 6.5% of their employees were apprentices, and they welcomed 716 new starters from 2022 to 2023.

 

Deloitte (Rank: 6th)

Deloitte, another prominent British multinational professional services network, provides apprentices with the opportunity to play a vital role within the organisation while continuously learning and growing. Their apprenticeship program offers levels 2, 4, 6, and 7, catering to various skill sets. With 8.9% of their employees being apprentices, Deloitte welcomed 866 new apprentices from 2022 to 2023.

 

Ernst & Young (Rank: 8th)

Ranked 8th, Ernst & Young (EY) is a well-established company working across assurance, consulting, law, strategy, tax, and transactions. EY's apprenticeship scheme offers levels 3, 4, 6, and 7, providing individuals with opportunities to learn and develop across multiple roles within the business. In March 2023, EY reported that 11% of their employees were apprentices, and they welcomed 742 new apprentice starters from 2022 to 2023.

 

RSM (Rank: 23rd)

RSM, a leading audit, tax, and consulting adviser ranks 23rd on the table of top apprenticeship employers. Their apprenticeship program offers levels 4, 5, and 7, catering to a range of skill sets. With 24.9% of their employees being apprentices, RSM is committed to nurturing talent through a variety of apprenticeship programs. From 2022 to 2023, they welcomed 463 new apprentices to the business.

 

Buzzacott (Rank: 24th)

Buzzacott, a top 25 UK accountancy and HR consultancy firm provides apprenticeship opportunities at levels 2, 3, 4, and 7. With a remarkable 25.8% of its employees as apprentices, Buzzacott demonstrates its commitment to investing in emerging talent. In the period from 2022 to 2023, the firm welcomed 69 new apprentice starters.

 

Mazars (Rank: 29th)

Mazars, an international audit, tax, and advisory firm, holds the 29th position on the table. Their apprenticeship scheme offers levels 3, 4, and 7, enabling individuals to develop skills in various roles within the business. With 21.9% of their employees being apprentices, Mazars welcomed 332 new apprentices from 2022 to 2023.

 

Aon (Rank: 41st)

Aon, a global professional services and management consulting firm, offers apprenticeships at levels 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. Aon specialises in risk mitigation products, and its apprenticeship program provides individuals with an opportunity to learn and contribute to the field. In March 2023, 11.1% of Aon's employees were apprentices, and they welcomed 381 new apprentice starters from 2022 to 2023.

 

KPMG (Rank: 81st)

KPMG, a multinational professional services network, prioritizes apprenticeships as a pathway to professional qualifications and accreditations. Their apprenticeship program offers levels 3, 4, 6, and 7, providing apprentices with the opportunity to earn a salary while pursuing their education. As of March 2023, 4.9% of KPMG's employees were apprentices, and the firm welcomed 234 new apprentices from 2022 to 2023.

 

Top 50 Professional Service SME Apprenticeship Employers

While large corporations dominate the professional service sector, several SMEs have also excelled in providing apprenticeship opportunities. Here are some notable SMEs on the list:

 

PM+M Solutions for Business (Rank: 2nd)

PM+M Solutions for Business, a leading firm of accountants, business advisers, and financial planners in the North West, holds the 2nd position among professional service SME apprenticeship employers. They offer a wide range of apprenticeships, providing individuals with the opportunity to develop their skills in various financial and business advisory roles.

 

Smailes Goldie Group (Rank: 18th)

Smailes Goldie Group, a leading firm of chartered accountants, tax, and business advisors, offers comprehensive financial advice for businesses and individuals. As the 18th-ranked SME apprenticeship employer, they provide valuable apprenticeship opportunities for individuals seeking a career in accounting and business advisory services.

 

HB Accountants (Rank: 23rd)

HB Accountants, ranked 23rd, offers apprenticeships that combine on-the-job training with the opportunity to study for the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualification over four years. This program equips apprentices with the necessary skills and professional knowledge required for a successful career in the accounting industry.

 

Sort Legal (Rank: 24th)

Sort Legal specialises in providing Conveyancing solutions and offers apprenticeships that allow individuals to gain qualifications and skills within the legal industry. Sort Legal's apprenticeship program opens doors for aspiring professionals to enter the legal field and develop expertise in a specialised area.

 

Strivex (Rank: 30th)

Strivex, a professional service SME ranked 30th, offers an accountancy and business advisory service, with expertise in major cloud accounting packages such as Xero, Quickbooks, and Sage. Apprentices at Strivex have the opportunity to learn and gain practical experience in a dynamic and evolving industry.

 

Davenports Group (Rank: 37th)

Davenports Group boasts over 20 years of experience in accountancy, print, and setting up and running businesses. As the 37th-ranked professional service SME, they offer apprenticeship opportunities for individuals seeking to develop their skills and knowledge in the fields of accountancy and business.

 

FD Works (Rank: 3rd)

FD Works, a firm of accountants and business advisors, is highly regarded for its finance apprenticeship program. They offer apprenticeships at different levels, allowing individuals to progress from entry-level to becoming fully chartered accountants. FD Works' program provides a comprehensive learning experience for apprentices pursuing a career in finance.

These top professional service apprenticeship employers, both large corporations and SMEs, play a vital role in shaping the future workforce. Through their commitment to offering valuable apprenticeship opportunities, they contribute to the development of skilled professionals in various sectors. Whether it's accountancy, business advisory services, law, or consulting, these employers provide a solid foundation for individuals to embark on successful careers while continuously learning and growing.