The event, which is supported by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), ‘aims to provide a fresh opportunity to celebrate apprenticeships in the sector and to bring the whole hospitality community together to demonstrate the positive differences that apprenticeships can make to individuals, to their employers and the wider economy’.
According to trade body UKHosptiality, the industry currently employs more than 3.2 million people and forecasts suggest an additional 1 million employees will need to be sourced over the next two years.
“There are increasing challenges in recruiting and an expected shortfall in labour, due to demographic changes, both in an ageing population resulting in fewer young people and migration,” says UKHospitality’s chief executive officer Kate Nicholls.
“The industry recognises its responsibility to help improve the image of careers in hospitality and to invest in training and skills development.
“Apprenticeships are a key part of promoting hospitality as a career of choice and providing an alternative pathway into senior level roles, as well as entry level.”
Hospitality Apprenticeship Week will run from Monday 5 August to Friday 9 and will be driven through social media activity by a steering group made up of leading hospitality businesses, independent industry authorities and charities.
In addition, the campaign will also feature interviews with senior hospitality leaders and showcase the stories of current and former apprentices who now within the sector.
For more information on the campaign and how to get involved, click here.