Skills Partnership Launched to Support Young People across the UK
We are excited to announce a pioneering new collaboration, The Skills & Employment Alliance aimed at transforming workforce development in the UK.
The partnership, which has been developed with The 5% Club and The Careers & Enterprise Company aims to recognise employers committed to excellence, innovation, social responsibility and long-term investment in talent.
The Skills & Employment Alliance brings together prominent organisations to elevate industry standards, foster talent development, and drive positive community impact through groundbreaking initiatives.
During a celebration reception held at Mansion House, London on 5th December 2024, The Skills & Employment Alliance was officially launched. Central to this initiative is the unveiling of the Exemplar Employer Scheme, an innovative recognition program celebrating employers committed to excellence, social responsibility, and long-term investment in talent across a range of skills sector leading schemes.
This year’s Exemplar Employers are Balfour Beatty, Mott MacDonald, Siemens Group PLC and Willmott Dixon.
The Skills & Employment Alliance has adopted EDT’s Industrial Cadets pathway of programmes to its roster of initiatives – a widely recognised, accredited awards scheme which encourage employers to commit to invest in talent and develop a diverse, skilled workforce of the future.
Julie Feest, CEO, Engineering Development Trust (EDT) & Industrial Cadets said, “We are excited to announce our first four Exemplar Employers today – Balfour Beatty, Mott MacDonald, Siemens Group PLC and Willmott Dixon and are looking forward to working with other employers to badge them as the best employers to work for with such a strong focus on early talent. Young people struggle to get their first job and to know which companies to focus on, and this Alliance will help them to understand who are employing young people and growing in their sectors, and will be a great first step on their working career.”
Oli de Botton, CEO of The Careers & Enterprise Company, said, “We are proud to be part of the Skills & Employment Alliance to celebrate employers who invest in future talent. Our work with over 900 leading employers who are inspiring and preparing young people to be career ready is a testament to their commitment. We hope the Alliance inspires even more employers to open their doors to young people. With their crucial support, we can equip all young people with the skills and confidence to take their best next step.”
“By becoming an Exemplar Employer, organizations showcase their dedication to workforce excellence while setting a benchmark for others to follow,” said Mark Cameron OBE, Chief Executive of The 5% Club. “This initiative is a unique opportunity to lead industry change and build a skilled, future-ready workforce.”
The 5% Club’s Employer Audit programme recognises leading UK employers of apprentices, graduates, and placement students. Participating employers receive a detailed benchmarking report providing valuable insight to shape earn and learn scheme optimisation.
The Careers & Enterprise Company offer a free online self-assessment tool which enables employers to get the most impact out of career’s education outreach.
