Rolls-Royce has joined the growing membership of The 5% Club, an employer-led movement which champions investment in the next generation through workplace training.
Upon signing The 5% Club’s charter, Rolls-Royce and all existing members commit to see 5% of their workforce in “earn and learn” positions within five years of joining. These positions include either apprentices, sponsored students or graduate trainees.
Each member must report on their progress to day in an annual report.
Launched three years ago, The 5% Club community now extends to over 200, with members ranging from SMEs to FTSEs, covering a diverse range of sectors, from engineering through to legal.
Rolls-Royce has a well-established commitment to apprentice and graduate recruitment, alongside developing employee skills. In 2015, the business recruited 274 graduates and 327 apprentices throughout the company’s worldwide training programmes.
Head of community investment & education outreach of Rolls-Royce, Paul Broadhead explained: “We continue to develop our employee base, ensuring we have the right skills for our business today and the right capabilities for the future.
“Our early career programmes are vital to us. Our apprentices and graduates are the fuel that powers our innovation. To enthuse, inspire and attract diverse talent into our company, the sector and wider society we have also committed to reach 6 million people through our STEM programmes and activities by 2020.
“It is this investment in skills for the future that fits so well with the aims and commitment of the employer membership of The 5% Club.”
Director General of The 5% Club, Penny Cobham commented: “Post-Brexit, the UK must ensure that every young individual has the opportunity to develop the skills that will enable them to embark on a rewarding career and enable businesses to compete internationally.”
