Co-ordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service, the scheme kicks off today (9 March) and has drawn wide support from pubs, hotels and restaurants.
Greene King
Greene King has marked the start of National Apprenticeship week by offering a further 2,000 apprenticeships over the next 12 months.
The company has supported over 4500 apprentices since 2011 and aims to have a trainee in each of its 1,000 pub, restaurant and hotel sites at all times.
Rooney Anand, Greene King chief executive said: “Apprenticeships help to reduce team turnover, increase employee engagement and provide us with the opportunity to grow our own talent by investing in our people and supporting their career ambitions.”
Greene King has utilised the apprenticeship programme to combat the industry shortage of chefs, and since last summer, more than 75 per cent of all recruited apprentices have been for ‘back of house’ roles.
Isabelle Pearson completed two apprenticeships at Greene King, allowing her to progress from part-time bar staff to managing her own pub in just three years.
She said: “I am really proud to work for Greene King. The training and support I have received has been invaluable to help me forge a career in the hospitality industry. My apprenticeship has taught me some vital skills which have helped me in my new role running a pub and managing a team.”
Admiral Taverns
To kick of National Apprenticeship Week Admiral Taverns has announced a new partnership with LearnDirect, allowing the company to offer BIIAB Level 2 and Level 3 Apprenticeships in Licensed Hospitality.
Staff will also be offered professional qualifications designed specifically for pubs taught by industry specialists.
Suzanne Smith, head of recruitment and people development at Admiral Taverns, said: “We have an absolute focus and dedication to developing people and pubs. We take a bespoke approach to each – identifying the right support and training for each licensee and we are taking the same approach with our apprenticeship programme through this new partnership.”
Trainers from LearnDirect will visit candidates at Admiral pubs every four weeks, where they will review progress and set targets in line with the apprenticeship curriculum.
The Springboard Charity
For 25 years Springboard Charity has helped young, unemployed and disadvantaged people improve their prospects in life through a career in hospitality, leisure and tourism.
Working with over 100 hospitality businesses and apprenticeship providers, Springboard bridges the gap between young people and employers and increases awareness of careers available in hospitality.
Anne Pierce, chief executive, said “Apprenticeships are a great way to get started in the hospitality industry as they give young people a chance to work with a real employer, earn a real salary and get real qualifications whilst gaining invaluable work-based experience.”
Nick Clegg's backing
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has released a video message supporting National Apprenticeship Week. The government has already pledged to develop new standards for hospitality apprentices as part of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills' trailblazer programme.