Laing O’Rourke Earns Platinum 5% Club Status for Exceptional Commitment to Workforce Development
Laing O’Rourke, one of the UK’s leading engineering and construction firms, has been awarded Platinum Membership in The 5% Club, recognizing the company’s outstanding dedication to employee development through “earn and learn” programs. This prestigious accolade places Laing O’Rourke in the highest tier of UK employers who actively invest in apprenticeships, graduate development, and lifelong learning opportunities.
What the Platinum Membership Represents
The 5% Club, a UK-based industry movement, is composed of more than 1,200 employers that collectively champion workplace learning and social mobility. Its members include forward-thinking organizations committed to improving skills, employability, and inclusivity across the workforce. The Club’s Employer Audit evaluates member companies based on their learning programs, diversity and inclusion practices, and investment in career progression opportunities.
The Platinum status is awarded only to companies that not only meet but exceed rigorous standards in these areas. Laing O’Rourke’s promotion from Gold to Platinum membership signifies its continued evolution as an industry leader in developing talent across all levels of the organization — from entry-level apprentices to experienced professionals enhancing their technical expertise.
Commitment to Learning and Development
For years, Laing O’Rourke has prioritized the creation of a strong learning culture rooted in continuous improvement and professional growth. The company’s success in achieving Platinum recognition underscores the impact of its structured training pathways and the tangible results of its investment in people.
Scott Bell, Senior Learning and Development Manager at Laing O’Rourke, expressed his pride in this milestone:
We are incredibly honoured to be recognised as a Platinum member of The 5% Club for the first time. Following three consecutive years as gold members, this prestigious recognition is a testament to our learning culture at Laing O’Rourke and the expansive offer of earn and learn opportunities, not only in early talent, but beyond.
Bell emphasized the significance of programs like the Data Academy and Project Management Academy, which were particularly commended in this year’s audit. These initiatives provide structured learning frameworks that allow employees to gain qualifications, develop leadership capabilities, and adapt to evolving industry technologies.
It was fantastic to see programmes like the data academy and project management academy shine through in this year’s audit, plus the continued support we provide in training and further education for our colleagues,” Bell added.
“We know our programmes are essential to building the skills, innovation and leadership we need to build industry-leading talent, so I am thrilled to see us acknowledged as leaders in workplace learning innovation.
A Broader Movement Toward Inclusive Workforce Development
Membership in The 5% Club represents more than an internal achievement — it’s a contribution to a nationwide movement focused on creating inclusive, accessible, and high-quality career pathways. Across its members, The 5% Club supports over 2 million employees, with 121,000 individuals currently participating in “earn and learn” schemes that combine paid work with structured education or training.
The Employer Audit measures several dimensions of excellence, including:
- The percentage of the workforce engaged in structured training programs.
- The company’s strategic approach to skills development.
- Initiatives supporting social mobility and workplace diversity.
- The effectiveness of learning programs in driving organizational performance.
By achieving Platinum status, Laing O’Rourke has demonstrated exceptional performance in each of these areas, reinforcing its position as a pioneer in workforce development within the construction and engineering industry.
Laing O’Rourke’s Ongoing Investment in Talent
Laing O’Rourke’s workforce development approach extends far beyond compliance or corporate responsibility. The company views learning as a core strategic pillar essential to sustaining innovation, operational excellence, and long-term competitiveness. Its training programs encompass a wide range of initiatives, such as:
- Apprenticeships: Providing opportunities for young people to gain hands-on experience while pursuing professional qualifications.
- Graduate Schemes: Offering structured learning, mentoring, and project exposure to help graduates transition into leadership roles.
- Technical Upskilling: Delivering continuous training in digital engineering, data analytics, and emerging technologies relevant to modern construction.
- Leadership Academies: Fostering leadership, project management, and decision-making skills among mid- and senior-level professionals.
Through these programs, Laing O’Rourke not only builds the competencies needed to deliver complex construction projects but also creates a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals ready to tackle the challenges of an evolving industry.
Driving Innovation and Social Impact
A key aspect of Laing O’Rourke’s recognition lies in its integration of innovation with social responsibility. The company’s “earn and learn” approach directly supports the UK’s broader economic and social objectives — increasing employability, improving productivity, and fostering equality of opportunity.
By investing in data-driven training models, Laing O’Rourke ensures that employees are equipped with future-ready skills to navigate digital transformation in construction. Initiatives like the Data Academy reflect the company’s commitment to blending traditional engineering expertise with advanced digital technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), AI-driven project analytics, and automation.
These forward-thinking strategies not only enhance operational performance but also position Laing O’Rourke as a trailblazer in modern construction practices.
Industry Leadership and Collaboration
Laing O’Rourke’s Platinum recognition from The 5% Club also highlights its role as a collaborative leader in shaping the future of work in the construction sector. By aligning with other progressive employers, the company contributes to an industry-wide effort to make workplace learning more inclusive, diverse, and resilient.
The company’s success story reinforces the idea that corporate growth and social value creation go hand-in-hand. By nurturing talent and investing in lifelong learning, Laing O’Rourke not only secures its own competitive advantage but also helps strengthen the entire construction ecosystem.
As Laing O’Rourke celebrates this achievement, the company remains committed to expanding and refining its workforce development programs. The goal is not only to maintain Platinum status but to set new benchmarks for excellence in professional training, digital innovation, and employee well-being.
By continuing to invest in people, Laing O’Rourke is building a legacy of innovation, inclusion, and leadership — ensuring that its teams are equipped to meet the complex demands of tomorrow’s construction landscape.
In the words of Scott Bell, this recognition is both a validation and a motivator:
Our Platinum status is a reflection of our people, their commitment to learning, and our shared belief that the future of construction lies in the continuous development of skills and talent. This award inspires us to keep pushing boundaries and to continue building a culture where learning never stops.
Source link: https://www.laingorourke.com/
