As National Apprentice Week kicks off, the Mercedes-Benz Apprentice Academy has been awarded a ‘Grade One Outstanding’ for ‘Outcomes for Learners’ by official inspecting body, Ofsted.

The manufacturer reports that demand for its apprentice places increased by 30% in 2012, when it accepted 159 new trainees from 11,500 initial applications.

There are currently 380 ‘live learners’ across three years working towards Level Three VCQ and VRQ qualifications. This year there will be 170 new vacancies.

In its 18-year history, 1,164 apprentices have graduated from The Academy, with 60% remaining at Mercedes-Benz 10 years on.

Marcus Breitschwerdt, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz UK, said: "We are delighted that the Apprentice Programme has been recognised by Ofsted in this way and that Mercedes-Benz is helping talented young people to find their vocation.

“The Mercedes-Benz brand makes a huge contribution to the UK’s business and cultural landscape, and secures UK-wide employment across a range of disciplines, including youth development."