By Denis Sheehan, Publisher, H&C News: Apprenticeships, an investment in today and the future…
On countless occasions we publish news of people who started their career in hospitality as an apprentice, being appointed to a senior position, or moving on to create their own business. One such example was the news headline yesterday, John Campbell apprentice appointed Head Chef.
As this is a recurring theme, we asked some hospitality people why apprenticeships are an investment in today and the future?
Chef and restaurateur Paul Askew explained his view saying: “Apprenticeships have been and remain a fantastic way to bring new talent into the industry. Training on the job mixed with the theory and underpinning knowledge of a good College for me is the perfect combination.
“Apprenticeships secure an individual’s future, build their confidence, and for the employer gives more opportunities to develop loyalty and retention.
“Businesses through apprenticeships help people onto a path to develop their careers further.”
We also spoke with Peter de la Perrelle, Managing Director ‑ Hotel Division, at Tower Hotel Management who said: “The young of today are the leaders of tomorrow.
“With the people shortage in our industry reaching crisis point, it has never been so important to invest our time to ensure that young people are equipped with the right skills and work ethic to take the sector forward.
“The experience of apprenticeships help create ambassadors for our industry, encouraging others to join, not for a job but a career.”
Harry Murray MBE, President, HOSPA started his career in hospitality as an apprentice. Murray explained his thinking on the subject by telling us: “I have always believed in apprenticeships, firstly because it was the route I followed.
“Secondly for an employer to invest in a structured apprenticeship programme helps continuous improvements in standards, productivity, and business growth. Many of today’s hospitality leaders started their careers as an apprentice, as I did.
“With new incentives and increased government funding for employers there has never been a better time to invest in apprenticeships. They should also be considered for all parts of hospitality businesses, not just kitchens and restaurants.
Apprenticeships are an investment in people, the payback is retention.”
The shortage of people and skills currently sees 176,000 job vacancies across hospitality.
How many could that number be reduced by ‘today’ if the role open was re-created into an apprenticeship?
Once the apprenticeship is completed, how many former apprentices would then be developing their career in hospitality further in ‘future’?
