Hospitality puts the spotlight on apprenticeships

23/09/2022

At a time of record vacancies and difficult economic problems, the hospitality sector is putting itself in the spotlight with the promotion of Hospitality Apprenticeships Week 2022, an initiative to showcase opportunities within the industry.

Trade bodies, charities and training providers have come together to promote the event and are calling on the wider industry to get behind the initiative.

Challenging misconceptions

Hospitality Apprenticeships Week 2022 takes place between 3 and 9 October. It is intended to challenge the misconceptions associated with careers in hospitality and change the view that the sector offers only short-term jobs, to one that offers fulfilling and rewarding career prospects.

The week will also celebrate the apprentices working in the sector, and those that have completed their apprenticeships and progressed within their businesses.

Why take on an apprentice?

Benefits include:

• Plugging the skills gap: It’s obvious that if a business has a skill shortage, training an apprentice in that area will reap rewards
• Gaining a new perspective on technology: This will allow businesses to equip their workforce with specialist skills and the latest techniques
• Enhance reputation as an employer: Giving people an opportunity in this way can only enhance a firm’s reputation and give something back to the community
• Generating a boost in productivity: Training helps staff become more proficient, but an apprentice can also free up time for more senior staff to focus on key areas of their work

Employers are also able to access funding and grants to cover the costs. The ‘apprentice rate’ is lower than other rates, but paid only in the first year.

There is a £1,000 payment available to employers for apprentices who, at the start of their apprenticeship, are:

• Between 16 and 18 years old
• Between 19 and 24  years old and have an Education, Health and Care Plan

Most apprenticeship training costs are either fully or partially (95 per cent) funded by the Government, depending on business size and eligibility.

Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said: “Ours is a creative, vibrant and fun sector in which people can go from bar to board in a very short timeframe. If the industry gets behind the week we can educate, engage and employ people of all levels of experience across the UK, not only helping to solve the current staff shortages but futureproofing the industry by attracting the brightest and best.”

For help and advice on apprenticeships and related hospitality matters, please contact our team today.