The Go-Ahead Group has said it is ‘proud’ to be listed the fifth top apprenticeships provider in the UK, in a ranking developed by the Department for Education.
The group celebrates after beating its previous ranking by eight places and secures its lead position as top apprenticeship employer in the transport industry – ahead of Southeastern, Cross Country Trains, Hays Travel and Transport UK Group.
The company takes on around 1,020 apprentices annually and its award-winning apprenticeships programme is the biggest in employing apprentices into roles such as bus drivers, train drivers and engineers in the public transport industry.
More than 700 apprentices are presently training to be London bus drivers at Go-Ahead London’s academy in Camberwell – the largest bus operator in London, and further 470 apprentices are in training at Govia Thameslink Railway – the UK’s largest railway network.
Go-Ahead is committed to employing apprentices from diverse backgrounds, currently 65% are from ethnic minority backgrounds, 20% are female apprentices – a number Go-Ahead will continuously aim to improve, and 15% are neurodiverse.
Carolyn Ferguson, Group Chief People Officer, The Go-Ahead Group, said: “Our Apprenticeships programme has gone from strength to strength. We’re so proud of the results in the rankings – to come in at number five means that we’re moving in the right direction. As we attract the new generation of drivers and engineers, it’s our priority to ensure the programme is forever expanding and will continue to reflect the diverse communities we serve. At Go-Ahead we believe apprenticeships are a great way to begin a career in transport. There are so many opportunities to develop and many of our apprentices have gone on to lead very successful careers.”.
The ‘Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2023’ list recognises England’s leading apprenticeship employers for their overall commitment to employing apprentices, their creation of new apprenticeships, the diversity of their new apprentices, and the progression of their apprentices onto further apprenticeships and employment.
