Jones Bros has signed up to a campaign encouraging British businesses to support apprenticeships.
The 5% Club is an industry-led initiative encouraging businesses to ensure five per cent of their workforce is made up of apprentices, graduates and sponsored students.
Jones Bros has an outstanding track record of providing training opportunities to young people. Around nine per cent of its workforce is made up of apprentices and graduates, and a recruitment drive is under way for its new groundworks apprenticeship programme.
Dave Gibson, Jones Bros’ health, safety, environment, quality and training manager, said: “When we became aware of the 5% Club, it seemed like a campaign we simply had to join.
“It fits in perfectly with our commitment to providing training and apprenticeships, as seen by the fact that close to ten per cent of our workforce is made up of apprentices.”
The campaign encourages public and private companies to commit to making five per cent of its workforce is made up of apprentices, graduates and sponsored students within five years of signing up.
Its aim is to tackle a nationwide skills shortage and youth unemployment, as well as encouraging the UK to remain at the forefront of innovation.
Dr Sam Healy, Programme Director of The 5% Club said, “We’re delighted to welcome Jones Bros to the initiative.
“The company’s existing efforts to invest in the next generation are greatly welcomed and together we can strive towards a brighter future for young people in Britain.”
The campaign was initiated by defence technology company QinetiQ.
Founded in the 1950s and employing 350 people, Jones Bros has grown significantly in the last decade. It is currently working on contracts including the construction of waste management facilities, highways, flood and marine defence and renewable energy projects around the UK.