Leading non-profit care group Greensleeves Care is celebrating national recognition after being named in The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2026, a prestigious ranking that showcases the UK organisations leading the way in apprenticeship opportunities and workforce development.
The annual rankings recognise employers that demonstrate a strong commitment to apprenticeships through the number of apprentices they employ, the opportunities they create, the diversity of their programmes and the success of apprentices in completing their qualifications.
Greensleeves Care appears alongside some of the UK’s most recognisable employers, including the British Army, London Ambulance Service and Lloyds Bank, highlighting the charity’s commitment to investing in people and developing future talent across the social care sector.
The ranking follows continued investment in learning and development across Greensleeves Care’s 26 homes. More than 60 care and support colleagues are currently undertaking apprenticeships, including the charity’s “New to Care” Level 2 apprenticeship programme, which provides a paid route into the sector while paying apprentices the Real Living Wage.
The Sunday Times highlighted Greensleeves Care’s role as a not-for-profit care provider delivering residential, dementia and nursing care, and recognised its commitment to supporting colleagues through structured learning and career progression opportunities. The charity is one of a small handful of social care providers featured in this year’s list.
The recognition is the latest milestone for Greensleeves Care’s apprenticeship programme, which has earned multiple industry awards for its innovative approach to workforce development. It also reflects the charity’s commitment as a member of The 5% Club, a movement of employers dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities through apprenticeships, graduate programmes and other workplace learning initiatives.
Susan Harris, Learning and Development Manager at Greensleeves Care, said:
“We are delighted to be recognised as one of the UK’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers. Apprenticeships play a vital role in helping people build rewarding careers in care, whether they are completely new to the sector or looking to develop existing skills and progress into leadership roles.
“At Greensleeves Care, we are passionate about creating opportunities for people to learn, grow and achieve their potential. Being recognised nationally in this way is a wonderful endorsement of our multi-award-winning apprenticeship programme and the commitment of our apprentices and managers across our Trust. Together, they are helping to build a skilled and confident workforce that delivers exceptional care for residents every day.”
Apprenticeships form a key part of Greensleeves Care’s commitment to developing a skilled, confident and compassionate workforce. Programmes are available across a range of disciplines and levels, helping colleagues gain nationally recognised qualifications while making a meaningful difference to the lives of residents.
Commenting on the experience, 16-year-old Niall Talbot, a Chef Apprentice at one of Greensleeves Care’s homes in Berkshire, said:
“The experience has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m grateful to my team for constantly pushing me to do my best while supporting me every step of the way.
“I’ve learned so much already, not just about cooking, but about teamwork, dedication, and confidence. I’m excited to keep growing and see where this journey takes me!”
The recognition by The Sunday Times reinforces Greensleeves Care’s commitment to invest in its people and demonstrates the important role apprenticeships play in strengthening the future of social care.
To find out more about apprenticeships and careers at Greensleeves Care, visit https://www.greensleeves.org.uk/jobs/join-social-care/
Niall Talbot, a Chef Apprentice at one of Greensleeves Care’s homes in Berkshire.