Hospitality career development app secures funding

It developed the concept as part of a competition set up by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), encouraging firms to create projects to benefit employees, in return for funding.

Through the ‘Map My Future’ app employees will be able to access a Career Map, created by People 1st, showing all the possible career paths beyond their role, as well as the skills and training needed to progress. They can also set career goals, access relevant training content and receive job advice from coaches 24 hours a day.

Rocco Forte Hotels, which is developing the app for the wider hospitality industry, said employers will have the benefit of reduced training and recruitment costs as well as higher retention rates.

Irene Forte, daughter of Sir Rocco Forte and brand manager of the group, who was part of the team that developed the app said: “Map My Future is a ground-breaking career progression and up- skilling application for employees in the hospitality and retail industry.

“Mobile learning fits perfectly with our operational workforce that is constantly on the move and that does not have daily access to computers. We hope that as a result of Map My Future we will retain and attract more individuals in our industry, thus supporting its planned growth.”

The app is being created as part of an initiative of new projects aimed at tackling major labour market challenges and fighting low pay.

The final seven projects, including the Rocco Forte Hotel Map My Future app, are jointly funded by UKCES and DWP through the UK Futures Programme. The programme is an investment fund that aims to tackle labour market challenges through testing, trialling and demonstrating new ways of working. .

Employment minister Priti Patel said: “Our long-term economic plan is creating a better, more prosperous future for Britain, with employment at an all-time high and more women in work than ever before.”