The 5% Club launches its “Earn & Learn” Recognition Scheme for “Socially Responsible” Employers

The 5% Club has launched its “Earn & Learn” recognition scheme for 2022 which will research and acknowledge the efforts of those socially responsible employers who deliver increasing provision of accessible workplace learning.

The scheme – which is centred on comprehensive research and recognition through the Employer Audit – is now open for applications, and will builds on the success of the pilot initiative in 2021 which recognised seventy-three trail-blazing Members. Of those who participated in the first year, fifty-eight met the Gold Standard by exceeding their aspiration to have 5% of their workforce in “earn and learn” schemes – Apprenticeships, Graduate Schemes, and eligible Sponsored Students.

The research for the scheme, which is now open for applications, will be conducted in May and June, and will provide participating employers with the following benefits: 

• A Bronze, Silver or Gold Membership Award;
• Bespoke Research (delivered in partnership with Highfliers Research) centred on the five themes of: employment; breadth and balance of the “earn and learn” offering; inclusion and social mobility; scheme quality; and plans for future growth;
• An online Symposium (3 November 2022), which more fully explores the findings and insights from delivered from the research; And,
• An Awards Celebratory Event, due to be held in the Palace of Westminster in early December. 

The scheme will expand this year to include the UK Employers “Earn & Learn” Awards which will be presented to the highest performing employers in each of the 5 areas of the research, as well as a headline “Earn & Learn Employer of the Year”. 

Alex Burghart MP, Minister for Skills said,

“I am pleased to support the 5% Club, which continues to inspire positive employer action for apprenticeships, T Levels and ‘earning whilst learning’ routes. This scheme – that recognises socially responsible employers who truly invest in and lead the skills agenda – will do much to help us close skills gaps by getting people of all ages on the path to rewarding jobs.”

Mark Cameron OBE, Chief Executive at The 5% Club said,

“Now in its second year, the scheme will recognise the efforts of all those Employers who invest in their workforce through a broad range of workplace learning schemes. As we emerge into the post-pandemic, post-BREXIT era, we are at an inflexion point in terms of skills investment and we are keen to recognise and encourage the impressive efforts of those employers who make the most effort to identify, access and develop all the talent pools across the UK. These moves so essential to our national prosperity and the enduring resolution of the skills challenges.”  

Gill Cronin, Director of Operations at The 5% Club added:

“Having seen The Club grow to more than 650 members, I am always impressed at the commitment, drive and energy our members channel into offering “earn and learn” skills opportunities. This scheme bestows important recognition on these companies and truly recognises the breadth and depth of their contribution to the future of skills in our economy.”