McTaggart Construction has become the first and only homebuilder in Scotland to have been awarded Gold level membership of The 5% Club in recognition of its investment in developing new talent and providing training opportunities for young people.

The presentation was made at a celebration event held in the magnificent Egyptian Hall at Mansion House, London, where Mark Cameron, CEO of The 5% Club, praised the winners for their achievements.

He said: "Being conferred with a 5% Club ‘Earn & Learn' Award is a true mark of excellence and a testament to an organisation's unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and driving social mobility. These winners are leading the way in creating impactful opportunities that transform lives and industries."

The 5% Club is a UK movement of employer-members committed to developing their workforce and addressing skills shortages. Gold membership is awarded to companies that have more than 5% of their workforce in ‘earn and learn' roles: Apprenticeships, Graduate schemes, and Sponsored student programmes. 

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McTaggart Construction managing director Janice Russell said: "Building quality affordable homes can positively change lives and communities and part of that can be achieved by providing career paths for young people, whether through apprenticeships, skills training or on-site learning.

"We are immensely proud of our Gold award and will look to build on that over the coming years by continuing to deliver work opportunities across all of our sites in Scotland."

The annual benchmarking programme of UK firms awarded 229 enhanced Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum Memberships to members completing the 2024 Employer Audit. Platinum is given to firms achieving Gold Membership in three consecutive years, and in year three, more than 10% of their workforce are on earn and learn schemes.

A spokesperson for The 5% Club said: "Our congratulations to McTaggart Construction for their achievement attaining the Gold standard which is the kite mark of responsible high-quality employers.

"Our scheme brings a unique and vital employer voice to improving training of the unemployed and unskilled by sharing key insights, resources and best practice on skills training. Embedding ‘earn and learn' in your business ensures a better future for all, including your ability to provide employment.

"We look forward to welcoming them to future events to share their success stories and inspire others with their innovative approaches to emerging talent strategies."

McTaggart Construction CSR manager Ross Hammell, who received the award along with training manager Stephen Rodgers, said: "I'm delighted wsse have signed up to the 5% Club, in addition to our many other social commitments such as The Buy Social Scotland Pledge. It will build on the positive work we already do across our communities and the third sector."