Hospitality operators urged to employ more apprentices

With the hospitality industry currently recording a massive 30,000 vacancies a month, operators are being urged to employ more apprentices to fill in the gaps in the run up to the 2012 Olympics.

Brian Wisdom, chief executive of People 1st, the sector skills council for the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism industry, explained: "Wise employers have identified that apprentices are the most cost-effective way to build the loyal teams they need to win customers and generate improved profits."

New research launched in Apprenticeship Week (23-27 February 2009) found that 87% of employers in the leisure industry believe that Apprenticeships helped to generate higher overall productivity and 71% felt that apprentices make them more competitive. Over 84% felt that their apprentices resulted in greater staff retention.

"The cost of investing in apprenticeship training in the hospitality sector is modest (£4,326) in comparison to other sectors and can often be recouped more quickly – often in little over one year," Wisdom added.

"Apprentices benefit all round too; they can 'earn and learn' and really grow their own skills which will stand them in good stead all of their working life. Research shows that apprentices will, on average, earn £100k more in a lifetime than other employees."

Lewis Bebbington, a junior sous chef at Tonic, an award-winning restaurant and bar in Nottingham city centre, and who has recently completed his Advanced Level 3 Hospitality Apprenticeship (Kitchen Larder) said: "If you're passionate about cooking, do an apprenticeship, then get stuck in at a really great restaurant."

Words: Maria Bracken

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