Take 5: The 5% Club Podcast

Take 5: Bagnalls Painting & Decorating Contractors

Welcome to the The 5% Club Podcast: Take Five – where we bring you insight, inspiration and innovation from employers, stakeholders, policy makers and contributors, all in 5% of your working day. This episode is delivered in collaboration with the Youth Futures Foundation and forms part of a mini-series supporting the Make It An Apprenticeship Campaign. Bagnalls discuss how employers can use apprenticeships to create opportunities for people as they enter the workforce - what if we were able to use apprenticeships to create more entry levels roles for people?

Take 5: Southbourne Rubber

Welcome to the The 5% Club Podcast: Take Five – where we bring you insight, inspiration and innovation from employers, stakeholders, policy makers and contributors, all in 5% of your working day. This episode is delivered in collaboration with the Youth Futures Foundation and forms part of a mini-series supporting the Make It An Apprenticeship Campaign. Today Chris Shirley, Fellow of The 5% Club, is in conversation with Stephen Wilde, Managing Director of Southbourne Rubber, who shares how apprentices have been such a vital part of his business strategy.

Take 5: Phil Smith CBE, Chair Skills England, Episode 3 - Apprenticeship Assessment Reforms

In this episode of Take Five, Phil Smith, Chair of Skills England, joins us to discuss the recent apprenticeship assessment reforms and what they mean for employers across sectors. We explore the rationale behind the changes, how the reforms aim to create a more streamlined and responsive system, and the role employers are playing in shaping assessment approaches that better reflect workplace realities. The discussion focuses on how these changes support productivity, workforce development and the delivery of high-quality apprenticeship experiences. This episode provides clarity on the direction of reform and reassurance for employers navigating changes to the apprenticeship system. Further detail on the apprenticeship assessment reforms can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apprenticeship-funding-rules-2025-to-2026/changes-to-apprenticeship-assessment-2025-to-2026 Employers who wish to contribute to Skills England’s Expert Groups can do so through relevant sector or membership bodies such as The 5% Club, or by contacting Skills England directly at: expertnetwork.skillsengland@education.gov.uk

Take 5: Phil Smith CBE, Chair Skills England, Episode 3: Apprenticeship Assessment Reforms

In this episode of Take Five, Phil Smith, Chair of Skills England, joins us to discuss the recent apprenticeship assessment reforms and what they mean for employers across sectors. We explore the rationale behind the changes, how the reforms aim to create a more streamlined and responsive system, and the role employers are playing in shaping assessment approaches that better reflect workplace realities. The discussion focuses on how these changes support productivity, workforce development and the delivery of high-quality apprenticeship experiences. This episode provides clarity on the direction of reform and reassurance for employers navigating changes to the apprenticeship system. Further detail on the apprenticeship assessment reforms can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apprenticeship-funding-rules-2025-to-2026/changes-to-apprenticeship-assessment-2025-to-2026 Employers who wish to contribute to Skills England’s Expert Groups can do so through relevant sector or membership bodies such as The 5% Club, or by contacting Skills England directly at: expertnetwork.skillsengland@education.gov.uk To learn more about The 5% Club, visit: https://www.5percentclub.org.uk

Take 5: Phil Smith CBE, Chair Skills England, Episode 2, Youth Guarantee

In this episode of Take Five, we are joined by Phil Smith, Chair of Skills England, to explore the Government’s Youth Guarantee and the recent announcements aimed at reducing youth unemployment and expanding access to apprenticeships. We discuss the strategic ambition behind the Youth Guarantee, the role employers can play in creating more opportunities for young people, and the new incentive structures designed to support businesses in recruiting and developing early-career talent. The conversation focuses on how employers can respond to these changes and what this means for workforce planning and long-term skills investment.  This episode provides practical insight into the direction of travel for skills policy and the opportunity for employers to take a leading role in shaping the future workforce.  You can read the Government’s announcement on the Youth Guarantee and new employment drive here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/major-employment-drive-to-help-unlock-200000-new-jobs-and-apprenticeships-for-next-generation Employers interested in contributing to the development of Skills England’s Expert Groups can express interest through relevant sector or membership bodies, including The 5% Club, or by contacting Skills England directly at: expertnetwork.skillsengland@education.gov.uk To find out more about The 5% Club and how to get involved, visit: https://www.5percentclub.org.uk