Mercedes-Benz UK claimed the Large Employer of the Year title at the National Apprenticeship Awards held at an exclusive ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House.

The Awards, run by the National Apprenticeship Service now in their thirteenth year, recognise excellence in two areas: businesses that grow their own talent with apprentices and apprentices who have made a significant contribution to their workplaces.

Mercedes-Benz UK delivers intermediate and advanced apprenticeships in Light and Heavy Technician and Parts Operations through 180 franchised partners and independent specialists – with over 500 apprentices currently on the programme.

On accepting the award at last night's ceremony, Andrew Mallery, training operations director at Mercedes-Benz UK, said: “We made the decision to recruit apprentices as a way to combat our ageing workforce and have since grown our apprentice intake by 98% in the last four years.

“We see apprenticeships as a route to tapping into the talents of young people in order to support succession planning and growth aspirations.

“Almost two-thirds of our apprentices are still with the business a decade later. Moreover, 91% of apprentices have been promoted or gone on to gain additional qualifications, supported by the business.”

The ceremony also saw Mercedes-Benz UK named in the prestigious Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer list.

The list, which is compiled annually by the National Apprenticeship Service, sponsored by Centrica, recognises excellence in businesses that employ apprentices. 

Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Robert Halfon said: “Congratulations to Mercedes-Benz UK for your success in this year’s National Apprenticeship Awards, which have showcased so much inspiring talent, dedication and ensures that apprenticeships get the prestige they deserve.

“I am always proud to see how many employers and apprentices get involved in apprenticeships across the country, helping to give a ladder of opportunity to people and deliver quality skills for employers. I hope your involvement encourages others to do the same to ensure social justice for all.”

Richard Hamer, education and skills director at BAE Systems, who sponsored the National Apprenticeship Award, said: “I am delighted for Mercedes-Benz UK winning the BAE Systems Large Employer of the Year at this year’s National Apprenticeship Awards.”