Bolton: Seddon earns platinum award from The 5% Club

Seddon has recruited more than 450 apprentices in the past 23 years and has achieved the highest level of recognition from The 5% Club for its dedication to the development of its employees.

The 5% Club works with UK employers and key influencers to inspire positive action for increased and accessible workplace learning, focused primarily on the number of apprentices, sponsored students and graduates employed.

They now work with 900 companies and give out statuses based on how well they are doing.

Achieving the platinum status puts Seddon in the top 30 of these businesses.

Nicola Hodkinson, owner and director at Seddon, said: “This achievement is a testament to our ongoing commitment to our employees, and we remain resolute in upholding this level of dedication.

“Achieving Platinum status is a milestone achievement for the team here at Seddon, and I thank the leadership team who are equally as passionate about bringing the next generation of the workforce to the forefront.”

Seddon apprentices lending a hand on a community project in Sale (Image: Seddon)

With there being a skills shortage in the construction industry, CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) estimated 224,900 additional workers must be recruited by 2027 to fulfil the sector's workforce demands.

This could be fixed easily as there is 350,000 construction companies in the UK and if each of them hire just one apprentice, the skills shortage would be resolved.

However, in 2022, only 13,900 new apprentices started, representing less than four per cent of contractors so companies are not doing enough to keep a sustainable number of workers.

Nicola added: “Unfortunately, the existing frameworks related to construction education, funding, and accessibility for aspiring young individuals falls woefully short of addressing the multitude of issues faced.

“At Seddon, we understand the immense value of apprenticeships as a means of earning and learning, and we are committed to continuously creating inclusive opportunities for the next generation of construction professionals.”

Seddon has also provided 110 companies with information regarding funding, training and employment, creating seven new apprentice roles within their supply chain.