The 5% Club: Driving Commitment to Skills Development

The 5% Club is a dynamic, employer-led movement that champions workforce investment through ‘earn and learn’ opportunities. With over 1,100 employers spanning all sectors and sizes, the Club has a culture of skills development that benefits individuals, businesses, and the economy as a whole.

By joining The 5% Club, organisations commit to supporting apprenticeships, graduate schemes, and similar programmes that combine structured learning with practical experience. This approach not only helps close the skills gap but also enables individuals to reach their potential while driving sustainable economic growth for the UK.

A Pathway to Excellence

The 5% Club offers two pathways for organisations to get involved, each designed to suit businesses at different stages of their workforce development journey:

• Entry Level Membership Free to join, this tier welcomes organisations that align with the Club’s ethos, providing a simple way to engage with the movement and make a public commitment to workforce investment.
• Enhanced Membership Designed for organisations that go above and beyond, Enhanced Membership recognises excellence through annual accreditation. Achievements are celebrated with Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze tiers, awarded following a rigorous Employer Audit that evaluates investment in training and development.

Award Tiers Explained

The Enhanced Membership awards are structured to recognise varying levels of commitment and impact in workforce development:

• Bronze Membership: Awarded to organisations on the path to having 2.5% of their workforce in ‘earn and learn’ programs. This tier acknowledges their initial steps toward embedding structured training opportunities.
• Silver Membership: Given to organisations working towards having 5% of their workforce participating in ‘earn and learn’ schemes. Silver members are recognised for their progress and ongoing commitment to workforce development.
• Gold Membership: Awarded to businesses with more than 5% of their workforce engaged in apprenticeships, graduate schemes, or similar initiatives. Gold members are leaders in advancing early careers and skills development.
• Platinum Membership: The pinnacle of recognition, Platinum Membership is reserved for organisations that have achieved Gold Membership for three consecutive years and, in the third year, have over 10% of their workforce participating in ‘earn and learn’ schemes.

Why Join The 5% Club?

Membership isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s about taking a stand for skills development and securing a future-ready workforce. By joining The 5% Club, organisations can reap benefits such as:

• Public Recognition: Highlight your affiliation with the Club’s renowned commitment to skills development and workforce investment.
• Recruitment Appeal: Attract top talent by promoting your investment in training & employment.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers and share best practices in workforce development.?
• Utilise Membership in Bids and Tenders: Leverage your affiliation to strengthen proposals and demonstrate your dedication to workforce development.

Membership signals to your stakeholders, employees, and potential recruits that your business is a champion of skills, inclusion, and sustainable growth.

Interested in joining the 5% club?

Whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking to gain recognition for your workforce investment, The 5% Club is your partner in making a difference.

Visit The 5% Club’s website to learn more and join the growing movement shaping the future of work.