Family-run construction firm wins gold award for investment in career development
A family-run construction business has been awarded gold by The 5% Club as part of its 2021 Employer Audit Scheme.
Bolton-based Seddon is recognised for its significant contribution to the continued development of its employees through schemes such as apprenticeships, higher degree apprenticeships and the Seddon Graduate programme. The company was one of the 58 employers who met the gold standard for the 2021 audit.
The 5% Club is a dynamic movement of employers, all of whom are inspired to take positive action for increased, inclusive and accessible workplace training for all. With a membership which now exceeds 600 employers, The 5% Club represents over 1.2 million employees, 67,000 of whom are in “earn and learn” schemes. The Employer Audit is a unique scheme which validates the employers’ activities, explores their future plans and commitments, as well as examining their approaches to quality, social mobility, diversity and inclusion.
Nicola Hodkinson, director of business services at Seddon, said: “Receiving a gold award showcases our commitment to investing in our employees and their career development at Seddon. To be recognised by The 5% Club for our schemes is a great achievement. Encouraging people of all ages into the construction industry is important to us, whether you are 18 and in college or making a career change later in life, the opportunity to earn and learn is invaluable.”
Mark Cameron OBE, Chief Executive at The 5% Club said, “We set out to create a scheme that recognises the efforts of all those Employers who invest in their workforce through a broad range of workplace learning schemes. It is fantastic that in these challenging times so many are able to commit to the Employer Audit and to gain the credit for their efforts, and that the majority are striving to expand their schemes over the coming years. Their efforts and achievements are to be applauded.”
Gill Cronin, Director of Operations at The 5% Club added: “Having seen The Club grow to more than 600 members, I am always impressed at the commitment, drive and energy our members channel into offering “earn and learn” skills opportunities. To now see so many of these members gain bronze, silver and gold accredited membership of The Club is inspiring and demonstrates how these companies are all contributing to the future of skills in our economy.”