In this episode of Take Five, we speak to inspirational employer MCFT, a business that has gone all in on apprenticeships.

Facing skills shortages and an ageing workforce, MCFT made a strategic decision to grow their own talent. As an established employer-provider, they now recruit four times a year to their engineering programmes and achieve retention rates significantly above the national average.

Hear directly from MCFT about how they have built a culture of clear career pathways, how they consistently create more opportunities, and how they deliver a genuine return on their investment in apprentices.

This episode was delivered in collaboration with Youth Futures Foundation, the national What Works Centre for youth employment. Youth Futures works to create a society where every young person can achieve good work by identifying What Works and driving change in policy and practice — with a particular focus on marginalised young people.

The 5% Club and MCFT are proud to support the “Make it an Apprenticeship” campaign, helping employers understand how they can create more opportunities by making entry-level roles apprenticeships.

Find out more:
Youth Futures Foundation
Make it an Apprenticeship
The 5% Club

If you would like to learn more about The 5% Club or get involved, visit our website or contact us at contactus@5percentclub.org.uk.

In this special National Apprenticeship Week episode of Take Five, we are joined by Phil Smith CBE, Chair of Skills England, for a celebratory and forward-looking conversation about the power of apprenticeships.

Together, we reflect on the role employers play in building the UK’s future workforce, the impact apprenticeships have on individuals and businesses alike, and why investing in early talent is not just the right thing to do, but smart business.

Drawing on his leadership experience, including his time as CEO of Cisco, Phil shares his perspective on why employers are central to the future of skills and why now is the moment to step up.

This episode sets the tone for a wider mini-series with Phil Smith, where we will go on to explore the bigger questions shaping the skills system, from employer engagement and system reform to the future direction of Skills England.

For now, this episode is about recognition, optimism and ambition, celebrating the employers and apprentices who are driving growth, opportunity and inclusion across the UK.

To learn more about The 5% Club and how you can get involved, visit:
https://www.5percentclub.org.uk