Compass Group UK & Ireland has been recognised as one of the country’s leading apprenticeship employers, securing 25th place in the Department for Education’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2026 rankings – a rise of 10 places from last year.
Since 2025, the Government and Higherin have teamed up to co-deliver the Top Apprenticeship Employers. The aim of this collaboration is to celebrate the very best employers of apprentices in England. The ranking criteria ensures that employers are recognised by measuring:
- Achievement – successful apprenticeship outcomes and completion rates
- Commitment – investment in apprenticeship opportunities, programme breadth and inclusivity
- Apprentice experience – feedback directly from apprentices on their learning journey and overall experience
The ranking reflects Compass Group UK & Ireland’s continued investment in developing future talent through high-quality apprenticeship programmes. The business currently has over 700 apprentices enrolled across more than 40 apprenticeship programmes, ranging from entry-level qualifications through to degree-level apprenticeships. These span a broad range of disciplines including culinary, facilities management, business management, finance, HR, events, technology and sustainability.
The organisation’s apprenticeship portfolio continues to evolve, with programmes designed to support people at all stages of their careers while addressing key skills needed across the business and wider industry. The company has developed a number of Signature Programmes including its flagship Forward with Marcus Wareing programme and the FM Academy - creating tailored development pathways that combine practical experience with recognised qualifications.
Jonathan Foot, Director of Skills and Early Careers at Compass Group UK & Ireland, said:
"We're incredibly proud of this achievement and remain committed to investing in people, developing future talent and creating opportunities that help individuals build rewarding careers. I also want to thank our delivery partners for their continued support, collaboration and commitment, which play a vital role in helping us deliver high-quality apprenticeship opportunities across the business. Well done to our apprenticeship team and all our apprentices who work so hard.”
Apprenticeships play a vital role in Compass Group UK & Ireland’s Our Social Promise – the company’s commitment to positively impact one million lives by 2030 through job creation, education, training, community and charitable engagement.
For the full list of Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers, visit Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers.