The prestigious Top 100 list is compiled by the National Apprenticeship Service in partnership with City & Guilds, and was announced at the National Apprenticeship Awards at The Skills Show in Birmingham last week. The list recognises excellence in businesses that employ apprentices.
After a rigorous selection process the most outstanding Apprenticeship employers from all four National Apprenticeship Awards employer categories (ranging from small to macro sized business) went forward to feature in the list, which showcases the breadth of employers who now offer Apprenticeships.
Ford was recognised for both its Company apprenticeship scheme and its dealership programme. Ford apprenticeship programmes are open to all age groups and provide paths to career progression and development of core skills within the Company. The Ford Masters Apprenticeship Programme, which recruits 450 new Apprentices into the Ford dealer network every year, has been running for over 11 years.
Tessa Hougham, apprenticeship manager, said: Ford is delighted to be recognised for its Apprenticeship programmes. Ford is committed to playing an important role in training and developing the future UK workforce, offering vocational career paths into engineering, manufacturing and in dealerships, and providing jobs and career progression opportunities.”
David Way, Chief Executive of the National Apprenticeship Service, congratulated Ford on its success: “The breadth and depth of employers on our Top 100 list just goes to show the huge impact Apprenticeships have on companies of all sizes and the UK economy.
“Apprenticeships are the country’s gold standard for vocational training. As part of the new era for Apprenticeships we are introducing measures to ensure there has never been a better time for employers to hire apprentices.”