Yesterday, our Director Richard Hall travelled to Westminster for the Top Apprenticeship Employers Celebration 2026, where he collected Walter Dawson & Son’s certificate as one of the Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers in the UK.
As we announced in July, WDS placed 10th in this year’s rankings. That is our best result yet, and our third consecutive year on the list. Richard follows in the footsteps of Managing Director Julie Young, who collected our first certificate in 2024, and Director Kim Mawer, who collected last year’s certificate at the House of Lords.
Celebrating in Westminster
The Top Apprenticeship Employers Celebration 2026 was hosted by the UK Government and Higherin. It took place in The Great Hall at One Great George Street, just steps from the Houses of Parliament.
The afternoon brought together employers, government representatives and special guests. Together, they celebrated the organisations leading the way in apprenticeships and helping to shape the future of skills and workforce development across England. The programme included talks from industry and government leaders, special guest speakers and the presentation of certificates to this year’s top employers.
Places at the event are usually limited to one representative per organisation. In recognition of our Top 10 placing, WDS was offered an additional ticket.
“Walter Dawson have long since promoted and championed apprenticeships, spanning well over 50 years now. It was inspiring to be in a room of like minded businesses which covered such a diverse mix of sectors who all have the same desire to promote and develop people through apprenticeships.” – Richard Hall, Director WDS
Three years of recognition
This is the third year running that WDS has been named among the UK’s leading SME apprenticeship employers. We first entered the rankings in 21st place in 2024. After placing 31st in 2025, we climbed 21 places this year to break into the top 10.
Being recognised year after year shows that our commitment to developing people is consistent and long-term, rather than a one-off. It also reflects the steady work that goes on behind the scenes, from structured training to day-to-day mentoring.
Over 50 years of apprenticeships
We have been training apprentices for more than half a century, long before national rankings existed. Our apprentices work alongside experienced professionals from day one. They gain real client experience while studying for professional qualifications including AAT, ACCA and ACA. Many of our past apprentices now hold senior positions within the firm.
This year has also brought individual recognition. Mujahid Khan became the first WDS apprentice to be nominated for a regional award at the West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards 2026.
Thank you
This certificate belongs to everyone at WDS. Thank you to our apprentices, past and present, and to the managers and colleagues across all six of our offices who mentor and support them every day.
Richard rounded off the day with a stop at The Bridge Cafe, famous as the scene of the losers’ debrief on BBC’s The Apprentice. Happily, there were no WDS apprentices in sight.
Interested in an apprenticeship with WDS? Find out more about our apprenticeship programme and how you could start your career with us.
