Cambridgeshire County Council has once again achieved Gold membership in The 5% Club’s 2024/25 Employer Audit Scheme, remaining the only county council to hold this distinction.
This is the second year the council has achieved Gold status, and it saw an improvement in overall scores this year due to an increase in apprenticeships and internally delivered qualifications, placing it in the upper third of organisations taking part, in terms of the number of apprentices and graduates employed.
This recognition highlights the council’s ongoing commitment to employee development through “earn and learn” initiatives, including Apprenticeships and Graduate Development Programmes.
With a workforce of approximately 4,650 and many positions in sectors facing national skills shortage such as social care and engineering, the council continues to seek innovative ways to attract and nurture a skilled and dedicated workforce, to align with its vision for a fairer, and more caring Cambridgeshire.
The 5% Club partners with UK employers to promote accessible workplace learning, focusing on the employment of apprentices, sponsored students, and graduates. Its mission is to enhance career opportunities for young people and equip them with the skills needed to thrive in the workforce and contribute to society.
As part of the Employer Audit, the council’s initiatives, future goals, and dedication to social mobility, diversity, and inclusion are thoroughly evaluated.
Members of The 5% Club commit to a charter pledging that at least 5% of their UK workforce will be engaged in formal apprenticeships, sponsored student programmes, or graduate development schemes within five years.
The Club includes 1,200 organisations across the UK - all committed to providing ‘earn and learn’ opportunities for their workforce.
Councillor Chris Morris, Chair of the Staffing and Service Appeals Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “This is an outstanding accomplishment, and I’m incredibly proud of the teams whose efforts helped to achieve it. Securing Gold status of The 5% Club reinforces our commitment to investing in our people and fostering their growth.
“Our practical learning opportunities are helping to pave the way for career development and empowering our workforce with the skills and confidence to succeed. This award places us at the forefront of innovation in workplace learning, and I’m keen for us to continue to build on these successes.”
For more details about The 5% Club, visit www.5percentclub.org.uk
