According to the results of the test run by UKSP, the information site for careers in the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism (HLTT) sectors, 22 per cent came out as 'go-getters', the name given to those who show a natural aptitude for leadership and management.
The results could be good news for the sector, according to UKSP, because it means that with the right training and support, there would be enough candidates to fill the estimated 69,000 extra managerial posts that will be created in the industry by 2017.
“With 41 per cent of hospitality and tourism businesses reporting difficulty recruiting managers with the right skills, the fact that we’ve identified so many young ‘go-getters’ out there with the potential to fill this gap is welcome news," said People 1st chief executive Brian Wisdom.
“The growth that our sector is predicted to achieve presents us with a unique opportunity - not only to position our industry as a career of choice for young people, but to position it as a leading sector in helping the UK out of economic difficulty.
"It’s not just about filling low-skilled jobs – as our research highlights, there are fantastic managerial roles available. It’s essential that employers take the mantle to both promote the wealth of opportunity on offer to young people – something UKSP clearly advocates –and provide the continued training and development that will retain that young talent within our industry."
The test was taken by visitors to WorldSkills 2011, the global skills and careers show.
For more information about developing a career in hospitality visit www.uksp.co.uk