The 5% Club is proud to announce the launch of the Employer Audit 2025-26, marking the fifth year of its accredited membership scheme. This initiative continues to highlight and celebrate employers who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to workplace learning through apprenticeships, graduate schemes, and other ‘earn and learn’ opportunities.
A total of 275 members have participated in the Employer Audit since its launch in 2021 – ranging from large multinational corporations to dynamic SMEs—participating and benefiting from the process. This commitment has helped shape a workforce equipped with vital skills for the future while strengthening businesses through talent development and retention.
To date, the accredited members of The 5% Club represent a substantial workforce, with thousands of employees engaged in high-quality ‘earn and learn’ opportunities. Over its first four years, members participating in the Employer Audit represent 2.85m employees offering more than 230,000 ‘earn and learn’ opportunities – equalling an average across this accredited membership cohort of 8.1%. (Contrasting with an average of 6% across The 5% Club movement as a whole). These figures underscore the growing momentum behind employer-led skills development and reinforce the positive impact that investing in people has on the UK’s economy and society.
Mark Cameron OBE, CEO of The 5% Club, said: “Reaching our fifth year of the Employer Audit is a significant milestone. Over the years, we have seen an inspiring commitment from employers to develop their workforce and support career progression through high-quality training. The Audit remains a vital tool in recognising and celebrating organisations that put skills development at the heart of their business strategy.”
The Employer Audit is open to all companies, offering them an opportunity to gain independent verification of their investment in ‘earn and learn’ initiatives. Successful organisations receive Accredited, Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum status, reflecting their level of commitment and achievement.
A series of briefing events about the employer audit are being held throughout late April, May and June – to join one of these briefing events please register here
Employers interested in joining the scheme and demonstrating their dedication to workplace learning can find more information here.
