The Encon Group has achieved bronze membership of The 5% Club. The independent distributor joined the not-for-profit organisation in February 2023 and in less than a year, the Club’s 2023/24 Employer Audit confirmed that almost 2.5% of Encon’s workforce is now made up of ‘earn and learn’ schemes such as apprenticeships.
The 5% Club represents a dynamic movement of Employers who are inspired to take positive action towards increased, inclusive, and accessible workplace training for all. The Club encourages employers to identify ‘earn & learn’ opportunities in their business as part of building and developing their workforce and commit to achieving at least 5% of employees in ‘earn and learn’ roles within five years of joining.
Role progression is a core part of Encon’s ‘Employer of Choice’ ethos, with training and development of new and existing employees a continual focus to help people fulfil their goals and achieve in specialist markets. Training is delivered through a mix of external providers, apprenticeship programmes and in-housing coaching so employees can build knowledge and experience through dedicated qualifications and role related training.
Deborah Gore, Encon HSEQ & HR Director, comments: “We’re extremely pleased to have reached Bronze membership in such a short period of time. This achievement demonstrates our commitment to training and learning opportunities for all our employees and building a diverse and sustainable workforce for the future. By consistently investing in employee development, we can grow and strengthen our knowledge and expertise, ensure fulfilling roles, and provide customers with the support they have come to expect from our specialist divisions and from Encon as ‘The Distributor of Choice’.”
Gill Cronin, Director of Operations at The 5% Club adds: “Having seen The Club grow to more than 900 members, I am always impressed at the commitment, drive and energy our members channel into offering ‘earn and learn’ skills opportunities. To now see 20% of these members gain Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum accredited membership is inspiring and demonstrates how these companies are all focused on the future of skills in our economy.”
