Speedy, the UK’s leading provider of tools and equipment hire, and services to the construction, infrastructure and industrial markets has joined The 5% Club to enhance its commitment to developing the careers of young people. 

The initiative will see the business commit to raising the number of apprentices, graduates and sponsored students on formal programmes to 5% of its total workforce within five years.

Speedy, which employs c.3,250 people across c.200 UK sites, says the new commitment will help ensure that the business has a sustainable future, creating opportunities for young people with new skills that will become the leaders of tomorrow.

The 5% Club is an industry led initiative focused on the recruitment of apprentices, graduates and sponsored students, established by Leo Quinn, Group CEO of Balfour Beatty in 2013. Its mission is to encourage employers to provide more ‘earn and learn’ opportunities – developing the skills and talents people need to become more employable and create meaningful careers. 

Russell Down, Chief Executive, Speedy Hire plc said:

“We are proud to be part of the 5% Club, committing ourselves to the ‘earn and learn’ ethos of skills training, and opening Speedy opportunities up to everyone.  It is vital we play our part in supporting this national agenda and in doing so we will be able to develop talented individuals with the relevant skills needed for our industry as we embark on our strategic growth objectives.”

Ellie Armour, Human Resources and Transformation Director said:

“Joining the 5% Club gives us access to lots of fantastic learning and development material and a wealth of best practice from other businesses that share in our commitment to learning.  Speedy’s increasing pool of trainees, comprising of current colleagues, new recruits and future ‘year in industry’ students will all reap the benefits of this membership.  In return they will support us in driving a culture of continuous learning so every colleague can reach their full potential.”

Gill Cronin, Director of Operations of The 5% Club said:

“We are delighted to welcome Speedy into membership. The 5% Club provides a fantastic network of HR professionals, sharing and learning from each other.  All our members share an ethos of creating a skilled workforce through ‘earn and learn’ development programmes, helping people develop meaningful career paths.”

For more information on Speedy careers, please visit www.speedyservices.com

For more information on The 5% Club, please visit www.5percentclub.org.uk