Civica, a market leader in specialist software, technology and outsourcing services that help organisations transform the way they work, has demonstrated its commitment to the next generation by joining ‘The 5% Club’, an industry led initiative focused on driving momentum into the recruitment of apprentices, graduates and placement students.

Civica has made a commitment to raise the number of apprentices, placement students and graduates to five percent of its total workforce within five years. The 5% Club campaign aims to tackle both the chronic skills shortage and youth unemployment in Britain.

Apprentices at Civica perform a range of roles across the business, including finance, ICT, customer support and business administration. Tom Littlewood joined Civica’s Health & Social Care division as an Apprentice Support Analyst in September 2014. Working towards his Level 3 Apprenticeship, Tom feels his training has given him a good platform to follow a career path in the IT industry. “Civica has been a great place to start my career, being part of a growing business provides lots of opportunities to get involved in challenging new projects,” says Tom, “Since joining Civica I feel I have grown in confidence. I’ve improved my communication skills and enhanced my IT skills whilst gaining new qualifications.”

Civica recognises the importance of investing in its employees, Wendy Merry, Group HR Director, Civica explains “As an ‘Investors in People’ Gold accredited employer, we believe our people are not just an invaluable asset but a real differentiator for us. That’s why we continue to invest in our people and supporting The 5% Club is another way for us to develop a culture of innovation by supporting the next generation.”

Dr Sam Healy, Programme Director of The 5% Club said, “We’re delighted to welcome Civica 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.”