Skills Surgery

Introducing The 5% Club Skills Surgery

A new, member-exclusive forum designed to support you in navigating the evolving skills landscape

The Skills Surgery offers informal, interactive discussion sessions focused on the key issues shaping our sector right now. It’s a safe and supportive space where members can bring questions, share challenges, and explore practical solutions together.

Whether you’re seeking clarity on policy changes, looking for fresh ideas, or simply want to sense-check your approach, these sessions are designed to help. No question is too small or too basic—this is your opportunity to gain expert insight, hear different perspectives, and leave with greater confidence and direction.

By joining a Skills Surgery, you’ll tap into the collective knowledge of the network, access timely guidance, and stay ahead in a fast-changing environment.

Networking and insight – share and learn best practice

The first Skills Surgery will be held as follows:

The 5% Club Skills Surgery – Inaugural Session
Monday 30 March | 2:00–3:00pm | Online [Zoom]

Please book here

We’re launching our first Skills Surgery with a timely and important discussion on the latest apprenticeship reforms announced by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP.

Our Director of Policy & Strategic Engagement, Lindsay Conroy will lead this informal session—helping members unpack what’s been announced, what it means in practice, and where there are still unanswered questions.

These reforms represent a significant shift in the apprenticeship landscape, particularly in how funding and opportunities are targeted. While there are positive steps to support youth employment—including new financial incentives for hiring young people, the introduction of entry-level routes, and expansion into key sectors—there are also important implications for the wider workforce that employers need to consider.

Notably, changes such as the defunding of certain apprenticeship standards, caps on new starts, and a stronger focus on under-25s raise questions about how development opportunities will be maintained for experienced employees and those later in their careers.

This session is an opportunity for members to:

  • Gain a clear, expert-led overview of the announcements

  • Understand the potential impact on your organisation and workforce strategy

  • Ask questions in an open, supportive environment

  • Share your perspectives and hear how others across the network are responding

As part of this discussion, we’ll also highlight how members can feed into our upcoming Skills Gauge Pulse Survey, ensuring your views help shape our engagement with policymakers.

If you’re navigating apprenticeship planning, workforce development, or simply want to stay ahead of policy changes, this session will provide valuable insight and practical takeaways.

This is a member exclusive benefit