Mercedes-Benz was awarded Large Employer of the Year at the National Apprenticeship Awards.

The Awards, now in their thirteenth year and sponsored by BAE Systems, are run by the National Apprenticeship Service.

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

“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,” said Andrew Mallery, training operations director at Mercedes-Benz.

The ceremony also saw Mercedes-Benz named in the 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: “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.”