The 5% Club and Its Mission to Boost UK Skills Development

In a rapidly evolving job market, investing in skills and nurturing talent is vital for business growth and economic prosperity. The 5% Club is at the forefront of this mission, championing employer-led investment in apprenticeships, graduate schemes, and workplace learning. Founded in 2013, the organisation encourages companies to dedicate at least 5% of their workforce to “earn and learn” positions. With over 900 employer members representing more than 1.6 million employees, the 5% Club is driving meaningful change in the UK’s skills landscape.

What is The 5% Club?

The 5% Club is a dynamic employer-led movement that promotes the recruitment and development of apprentices, graduates, and sponsored students. Its members voluntarily commit to ensuring that 5% of their workforce is in structured learning programs. This commitment supports individuals in gaining valuable qualifications while earning a wage, making them future-ready and reducing skills gaps across various sectors.

The initiative was founded by Leo Quinn, CEO of Balfour Beatty, with the aim of tackling the persistent skills shortage in the UK and creating a talent pipeline to future-proof the workforce. Since its inception, the Club has grown significantly, attracting members from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to large multinational corporations.

The 5% Club’s Mission and Objectives

The core mission of the 5% Club is to encourage UK businesses to:

• Invest in future talent by creating more apprenticeship and graduate opportunities.
• Address skills shortages through structured workplace learning programmes.
• Promote social mobility by offering accessible career pathways for young people and underrepresented groups.
• Improve workforce productivity by equipping employees with in-demand skills.

Through collaboration with government bodies, education providers, and industry leaders, the 5% Club advocates for increased skills development as a business priority.

Benefits of Membership

Becoming a member of The 5% Club offers several benefits, including:

✅ Brand Recognition: Members are recognised as committed employers investing in workforce development, enhancing their employer brand and attracting top talent.

✅ Networking and Collaboration: Members join a network of like-minded organisations, fostering collaboration and sharing best practices on skills development.

✅ Influence on Policy: The 5% Club works with policymakers to influence skills and apprenticeship policies, giving members a voice in shaping the future of workforce development.

✅ Demonstrating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Membership highlights a company’s dedication to social mobility and reducing youth unemployment through accessible learning pathways.

S&A Academy: Practicing What We Preach

At S&A Academy, we fully embrace the values of The 5% Club by offering apprenticeships to our own staff. We currently have three team members enrolled on apprenticeship programmes, both within and outside of our organisation. This not only strengthens our internal capabilities but also demonstrates our genuine belief in the power of apprenticeships to enhance careers and close skills gaps.

In addition, through Enhanced Apprenticeships and partnerships with organisations like Women in Data, we support employers in building skilled, future-proof teams. Our tailored programmes combine levy-funded core training with specialised modules, empowering businesses to invest in their people and drive long-term success.

Why the 5% Pledge Matters

By pledging to have 5% of their workforce in “earn and learn” roles, employers play a critical role in closing the UK’s skills gap. With apprenticeships and graduate schemes proven to enhance employability, retention, and productivity, members actively contribute to building a more resilient economy.

Additionally, employer investment in skills helps tackle social inequality by offering non-traditional entry points into industries that may otherwise be inaccessible to young people or career changers.

If you want to enrol staff members onto “earn and learn” positions, contact us to find out more about our programmes by emailing [email protected] or [email protected].