Northern Ireland-based contractor GRAHAM has been recognised for its dedication to the continued development of its employees with a prestigious award.

The firm secured the The 5% Club Gold Award through its 2021 Employer Audit Scheme, celebrating the company's commitment to its workforce with "earn & learn" schemes such as Apprenticeships, Graduate Schemes and Sponsored Students Course Placements.

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 six hundred, 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.

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In this inaugural year for the scheme, GRAHAM was one of the one of the 58 Employers who met the Gold Standard.

Michael Smyth, HR Director at GRAHAM said: "GRAHAM has a long history of attracting, encouraging and developing young people to enjoy a varied and exciting career in the construction industry.

"Developing the next generation of talent is not only essential to long-term business continuity but young people bring vibrancy, enthusiasm to learn and an infectious optimism, which allows us to learn from each other in the here and now; so we are proud to be recognised as a Gold member of the 5% Club. It not only demonstrates our commitment, but allows us to partner with other organisations sharing best practice, which will lead to continuous improvement for our industry."

Mark Cameron OBE, Chief Executive at The 5% Club commented: "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."