Achieving Gold status marks a proud milestone in our journey to invest in our people and their potential. It reflects our belief that by supporting every individual to reach their full capability, we strengthen not only our business but also the communities and industries we serve.

Ridge has been awarded Gold Membership by The 5% Club, a recognition that reflects our deep commitment to nurturing talent through structured “earn and learn” opportunities. This accolade places us among a select group of UK employers who are leading the way in inclusive, skills-based workforce development. 

The 5% Club is a dynamic movement of over 1,200 organisations across all sectors, united by a shared mission: to invest in people and close the UK’s skills gap. Members pledge to have at least 5% of their workforce in formalised training schemes such as apprenticeships, graduate programmes, and sponsored student placements within five years, and to report progress annually. 

At Ridge, we’ve not only met that benchmark – we’ve also far exceeded it. 

A leap forward in earn and learn participation 

To put this achievement into perspective, last year’s audit showed 7.5% of our workforce in earn and learn roles. In this year’s audit, that figure has risen to an impressive 30.6%. This growth reflects a strategic focus on developing talent at every level of the business and creating meaningful pathways for career progression.  

Why it matters 

Gold Membership is more than a badge – it’s a reflection of our values. It signals our belief that investing in people is essential to long-term success, both for Ridge and for the wider industry. Through initiatives like Apprenticeships, Graduate Schemes, and Sponsored Student Placements, we’re equipping our teams with the skills, experience, and confidence they need to thrive 

Achieving gold membership with The 5% Club is a significant milestone. It reinforces our commitment to developing talent and ensuring everyone has access to opportunities for growth. This recognition motivates us to continue investing in our people, knowing it positively impacts Ridge and the industry.

 

Victoria Deal, Head of Talent Acquisition at Ridge

A collective effort 

The Employer Audit conducted by The 5% Club rigorously assesses members’ efforts, future ambitions, and commitment to social mobility, diversity, and inclusion. Ridge’s gold status places us at the forefront of workplace learning innovation – and we’re proud to stand alongside other forward-thinking employers driving positive change. 

By achieving gold membership, Ridge has shown an exceptional commitment to shaping the skills of tomorrow, contributing not only to their business but to the wider economy.

 

Mark Cameron OBE, Chief Executive at The 5% Club

 Looking ahead 

This recognition is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when organisations invest in people. As we continue to expand our earn and learn programmes, we remain focused on creating a workplace where development is accessible, inclusive, and impactful.