The initiative will see the Mayor, his office and the Local Enterprise Partnership putting their weight firmly behind the BII’s new Apprenticeship in Licensed Hospitality,which already has the support of key London-based pub operators including Fuller’s.
“This is fantastic news,” said Cathie Smith, director of the BIIAB. “The BII firmly believes Apprenticeships are the way forward for the licensed hospitality sector, providing career paths, professional qualifications and rewards to those employed in the pub sector. Winning the support of the London Mayor will really raise our game and give Apprenticeships the attention they deserve.
“Apprenticeships are a key tool for the Government in raising skills levels in the UK. This Apprenticeship for Licensed Hospitality has been developed by our industry for our industry.
“Apprenticeships offer a fantastic opportunity for people to gain the skills they need for the jobs of the future, equipping the country to support the Government in building long-term sustainable growth through sustainable businesses.”
Hospitality Apprenticeships Summit
The full extent to the partnership will be revealed at the forthcoming National Licensed Hospitality Industry Apprenticeships Summit on 26 June. Creating jobs and getting people back to work had been a key part of Boris Johnson’s mayoral manifesto for London, promising to create 200,000 jobs over the next four years.
The National Licensed Hospitality Industry Apprenticeships Summit is supported by BII, the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers’ and the British Beer and Pub Association.The BII is confident that the 2,000 London-based BII members, comprising of small and medium-sized businesses, will also support the BII in reaching it’s 5,000-target.
May has been an eventful month for the BII. Following the organisation’s Annual General Meeting two weeks ago, BII members voted overwhelmingly in favour of the restructuring of their council in a bid to save money. And last week saw the resignation of Martin Grant as BII chairman after 10 years of service.