Hospitality apprentices are more productive than new staff, claims survey

Hospitality employers believe that apprentices are head and shoulders above new staff when it comes to performance and productivity, a new industry survey from People 1st has found.

Four in 10 employers surveyed (41%) claimed that apprentices were far more productive than hiring new staff, while 49% said they made their businesses more competitive.   

When asked what value apprentices added to their business, employers were bowled over by their willingness to learn (90%) and enthusiasm (63%), as well as their flexibility and responsiveness to change (47%).

And for many, Apprenticeships are becoming an attractive business proposition.  This year, one in four sector employers took on an apprentice and 37% of those currently offering the scheme said they were considering increasing their intake in the next financial year. A staggering 60% of employers who had not previously offered Apprenticeships confirmed they were seriously considering this option.

However, despite their interest, almost half (46%) are stumped by the Apprenticeship scheme process and how to go about taking on an apprentice.

Brian Wisdom, chief executive of People 1st, said:  "Apprenticeships are the lifeblood of the hospitality sector and give employers access to a rich and cost-effective source of raw and enthusiastic talent within a very short period of time which they can mould and shape into tomorrow's future leaders.
 
"Without doubt, Apprenticeship programmes encourage more talented young people into the business which ultimately should improve the quality of the hospitality workforce."

Words: Maria Bracken

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