Chef Josh Eggleton among speakers at next Big Hospitality Conversation
Around 300 restaurateurs, hoteliers, caterers and young people are expected to attend the British Hospitality Association event, which is being held at the Mercure Hotel, Bristol, and will urge industry leaders to pledge their commitment to creating jobs, apprenticeship and structured work placement opportunities for 16-24 year-olds.
Run in partnership with employment charity Springboard, Barclays, Believe in Young People, The National Apprenticeship service and the DWP, the Big Conversation campaign aims to create 60,000 jobs by 2016 and has so far generated more than 35,000 positions.
“Hospitality is a vibrant industry with a lot to offer,” Patrick Dempsey, chairman of the Big Hospitality Conversation and Premier Inn MD said. “There is a huge pool of talent in the 16-24 age group and we are committed to helping raise awareness amongst young people that are unemployed, not in education or training, offering significant opportunities for them to join and develop their careers with the hospitality industry.
"We will train young people, provide them with qualifications and long term prospects within a sustainable and thriving industry.”
The 22nd BHC is the first of 20 events being held across the UK this year in locations including Llandudno, Newcastle, Belfast and Bournemouth.
“We are delighted to be part of the Big Hospitality Conversation in Bristol,” Anne Pierce, Springboard CEO added. “The South West area has a strong hotel and restaurant base and Springboard welcome the opportunity to work with the industry and promote a career in hospitality to young job seekers.”
