Chris Galvin backs HTP’s new hospitality training initiative

The new scheme offers unemployed Islanders aged 16-23 the opportunity to participate in free, hospitality-focused training programmes. This equips them with the skills needed to progress onto a traineeship, apprenticeship or employment.

Galvin, who attended the launch, said: “It’s great to see the number of people HTP Training have brought together to support this scheme. People don’t realise the job and skills shortage we have in the industry. 

“Hospitality is crying out for youngsters, yet so many young people aren’t in work. We have the skills and the jobs to help youngsters. The Isle of Wight has wonderful produce, talent and very experienced people who want to hand those skills down.

“For us at Galvin Restaurants to be able to work hand in hand with HTP Training and the employers is brilliant. To be able to follow the progress of young people who are quickly developing their own career in the industry is great too.”

The Your Future in Hospitality was developed in collaboration with People 1st in a bid to shine a light on the importance of the hospitality and tourism industry to the Island. It also hopes to encourage more employers to allow their existing staff to gain qualifications.

Traineeships​

Fred Siriex, general manager at Galvin at Windows, also attended the launch event and strongly supported the programme. “It helps raise the awareness of the industry and shows young people that there are so many opportunities and so many possibilities for careers,” he said.

Over the past three academic years, an average 94 per cent of all apprentices who completed their apprenticeships with HTP remain in employment.  The Isle of Wight-based firm also recently launched its Traineeship programme, offering young people access to work experience, support in English and maths, tips on CV-writing and advice on how to prepare for an interview. 

“The runway is clear, the weather is calm and Traineeships are ready for take-off,” said Rachel Fidler, who founded HTP Training in 2000. “In my opinion, anything which encourages and equips young people to access work, or the path to a job, is a good thing. 

“Traineeships will provide both work experience and the opportunity to learn within a structured programme.  Of course, every candidate is different and it will be important for the training provider to apply intelligence and experience to customise the programme.  Traineeships meet the specific requirements of the young person and the needs of the employer. Traineeships must therefore be flexible programmes.

“We have to find a way of getting young people in to work and to give them the opportunity to progress and develop careers.  If we position the Traineeships carefully as high quality launch pads into potential careers, remove the obvious financial barriers and encourage the training providers and employers to be flexible and smart in the construction of the curriculum for each candidate - we may create a new generation of high flyers.”