For 60 years, family-run Kimpton has innovated to support decarbonisation through the development of renewable technology for businesses across the Liverpool City Region and nationally. This innovation comes from the mix of experienced engineers supported by fresh perspectives and ideas brought into the business from apprentices.

The business has always invested in training and was awarded membership of the 5% club in 2021. The 5% Club is a dynamic movement of employers committed to earn and learn as part of building and developing the workforce they need as part of a socially mobile, prosperous and cohesive nation. The Club exists to help its members and all employers increase further the number, quality and range of earn and learn opportunities across the UK. By joining The 5% Club, members aspire to achieve 5% of their workforce in earn and learn positions (including apprentices, sponsored students and graduates on formalised training schemes) within five years of joining.

Now though, Kimpton has exceeded the 5% level twice over as they hit over 10% of the workforce working as part of an apprenticeship programme. Not only that, but the company pay considerably more than the Government suggested rate for apprentices with a salary of up to £26,403 paid whilst they train.

Matt Breakwell, business development manager at Kimpton said: “Kimpton has always fostered a culture of innovation which is only possible through a solid culture of happy and motivated staff, encouraged to come forward with ideas and create the sustainable solutions of the future. This has always been supported through our apprenticeship programme, to get fresh ideas and perspectives that our apprentices bring.”

“Not only is our apprenticeship programme in line with the long-standing Kimpton values of being ‘the right thing to do’, but this is helping us mitigate the skills shortage facing the sector right when we need to be increasing our capacity to deliver heat pumps, solar PV and energy efficiency upgrades to deliver the UK’s carbon reduction targets.”

“We’re passionate about investing in skills and training so that we continue to attract the bright young innovators of tomorrow, which allows us to keep growing, providing innovative solutions to our clients and overcome a skills shortage. So, for good commercial reasons, it forms an important part of our sustainability strategy, and we are delighted to continue to expand our team to over 10% apprentices.”