Top UK Manufacturing Apprentice Employer 2024

AESSEAL is the top UK apprentice employer in the manufacturing sector for the second time, according to the
Department of Education’s annual rankings.

The South Yorkshire-based company, which supplies mechanical seals and reliability services to global industry,
was one of 700 major UK businesses assessed, drawn from the public and private sectors.
While the company’s apprentice intake during 2023-24 was significantly lower than many of the other entrants
(number 1 was the British Army), AESSEAL was in the top 7percent of all of those assessed, based on criteria
including diversity and apprentice completions.

AESSEAL managing director Chris Rea said: “Getting and keeping great people is a key part of our formula for
business success and this accolade shows the Department of Education rankings are not purely a numbers
game. “Congratulations to all the other manufacturing and engineering companies, and every other UK business
that is investing in the future.”

Overall, 14% of AESSEAL employees started as apprentices, and 39 new apprentices were taken on in 2023-24.
With an overall placing of 50th out of 700, the company was the top-ranked manufacturer for the second time,
after a similar placing in 2022.

AESSEAL offers apprenticeship opportunities ranging from Level 2 to Level 6. Here are some of our success
stories:

Amelia Wood, Senior Account Manager:
“Since completing my apprentice, AESSEAL has given me lots of opportunities including more responsibility
within my department such as training new starters, mentoring apprentices and covering as assistant manager.
As well as this, I have completed a number of training courses including CMI Leadership and Management, CMI
Coaching and Mentoring and lots of internal training too. Most recently I have taken on a new role as Senior
Accounts Manager.”

Joshua Hall, Engineering Apprentice:

“I would recommend AESSEAL as an apprenticeship route as the company are supportive in me continuing my
studies to a high level, as well as having an enjoyable job role in the office with the opportunity to gain experience
within various departments at AESSEAL. There are many routes to go down as an apprentice at AESSEAL within
various departments. Once in the department of choice, you will be given the in-depth training required to enable
success in your role.”

Lucia Bird, CAM Apprentice:

“I started my apprenticeship in September 2020, studying at the AMRC. I then went on to work full time at
AESSEAL. I began working volume production as a CNC machinist and was able to work on different machines
that allowed me to gain experience and progress through the company. Also, I had many opportunities to attend
different events to interest new apprentices in the company, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Engineering has always
been a male dominated industry. So, as a woman starting out in engineering it is great to be part of a team at
AESSEAL, they’re such an inclusive company to work for. I would recommend it as a career path for any young
woman.”

In parallel, AESSEAL’s outreach to schools and colleges resulted in the company being selected for the South
Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) Career Hub’s ‘Most Engaged Employer Award for 2024-25’.