William Hare is proud to have received Platinum Membership of The 5% Club for the third consecutive year, standing as the only structural steel company to earn this achievement.

The 5% Club’s Platinum Membership recognises organisations that ensure at least 5% of their workforce is engaged in structured “earn and learn” programmes. For William Hare Group, this includes apprenticeships, graduate pathways, and sponsored student placements, all designed to provide meaningful career opportunities while equipping participants with the skills and experience needed to thrive in the industry.

This prestigious recognition highlights the company’s ongoing dedication to developing the next generation of talent and positions William Hare among the UK’s leaders in workforce development for steel engineering and construction.

The 2024/25 employer audit also found that 94% of William Hare’s graduates and 90% of apprentices progress into permanent roles and that half of the graduate intake is female, reflecting the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in a traditionally male-dominated sector. By creating accessible pathways and supportive learning environments, William Hare is helping to build a more balanced and representative workforce for the future.

Kirsty Brennan, Head of HR & Training at William Hare Group, said: "Achieving Platinum membership for three years running and being the only structural steel employer to do so is an achievement we’re incredibly proud of. Our earn-and-learn programmes are about more than gaining qualifications, they’re about giving people real workplace opportunities, supporting their growth, and building a workforce that is passionate and driven to continue their development. This award reflects the hard work and enthusiasm of our teams and the ambition of our learners."

Mark Cameron OBE, Chief Executive at The 5% Club, added: “We are incredibly proud of the outstanding employers, like William Hare Group, who continue to raise the bar for workplace learning. The company’s dedication to creating rich and varied 'earn and learn' opportunities sets a remarkable example. By achieving Platinum membership, William Hare has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to investing in people, shaping the skills of tomorrow and driving lasting impact for individuals, the business and the wider industry.”

The 5% Club is a movement of over 1,200 employers championing inclusive, accessible, and impactful workplace learning. Collectively, members support over 2 million employees, with more than 121,000 engaged in earn-and-learn programmes.