We are delighted to have secured silver membership in The 5% Club’s Employer Audit for the years 2024- 2025. This award highlights our ongoing commitment to our 4,000+ employees all over the country by creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive by investing in opportunities for all.
What is the 5% club?
The 5% Club partners with UK employers and key influencers to promote accessible workplace learning through apprenticeships, sponsored student programs, and graduate employment. Its mission is to improve youth employment and develop a skilled workforce essential for the UK economy. Members sign The 5% Club charter, pledge to have at least 5% of their UK workforce in formal learning schemes within five years and to report their progress annually.
How does Sunbelt Rentals embrace membership of the 5% club?
As part of the membership, Sunbelt Rentals is committed to increasing the number of apprentices, graduates and students engaged in formal training programmes. In recent years, we have made big strides in our early career programmes. We currently employ over 220 apprentices across 32 different apprenticeship programmes. Our teammates are engaged in early career apprenticeships alongside existing employees who are upskilling in their roles and a recently recruited graduate cohort. These programmes range in complexity from level 2 up to level 7, reflecting our commitment to offering formal upskilling opportunities for all employees.
We partner with training providers across the UK and Ireland to deliver a diverse range of programmes that cater to different career interests and aspirations including our Women in Leadership apprenticeship and senior leadership development programme through to Mechatronics and specialist Engineering apprenticeships. Each of these apprenticeships is designed to equip teammates with the practical and academic skills they need at every stage of their career within the company. Through these initiatives, we are investing in the professional development of our employees whilst contributing to the broader goal of creating a skilled and capable workforce.
What does the silver award mean to Sunbelt Rentals?
Julie Harpley, Sunbelt Rentals Early Careers & Social Impact Academy Manager, said “We’re extremely proud to have received the Silver Membership from The 5% Club. This builds on our bronze membership, that we proudly held for several years and showcases our commitment to investing in our people through structured educational pathways. We know the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive workforce, and our membership signifies our ongoing efforts to promote apprenticeships and training opportunities for everyone.”
Jenny Parry, Head of Talent at Sunbelt Rentals, added “This recognition is a testament to the company’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of professionals in the industries we operate in, while ensuring our people have the skills needed to succeed in today’s job market. I am extremely proud of the team for their work which has made it possible for Sunbelt Rentals to receive this membership”.
The 5% Club’s Employer Audit is an annual benchmarking programme that honours UK employers who excel in supporting apprentices, graduates and degree placement students. By attaining the silver membership, we reinforce our position as a leader in the Hire industry committed to sustainable workforce practices.