Leading hospitality apprenticeship provider HIT unveiled on 8 October its new Traineeship Programme for young people to help develop the necessary skills for sustainable employment.
A step up on to the apprenticeship and employment ladder
The Programme, which aims to give 16-23 year olds a step up on to the apprenticeship and employment ladder, combines work preparation and employment skills, functional skills in Maths and English with specific industry training, and valuable ‘on the job’ practical work experience.
It has been created in response to the Government’s new traineeship initiative, which has been introduced following employer feedback that many young people lack the basic skills for employment.
Insufficient qualifications, or lacking work experience
“Traineeships are part of the same family as apprenticeships but they are aimed at those young people who are having difficulty getting into work because they don’t have sufficient qualifications or are work focused but don’t have any work experience,” said Jill Whittaker, managing director of HIT, speaking at today’s launch at Hospitality House, the headquarters of the Hospitality Guild.
“At a time of high unemployment, we are finding that hospitality jobs which traditionally went to young people are now being offered to older, more skilled workers because the employer is reluctant to risk taking on somebody who is relatively unqualified or inexperienced.
Skills, experience, reference, and demonstrating willingness to work and learn
“The new traineeships will give young people a step up on to the jobs ladder as the programme aims to improve their personal skills set and either provide the learner with a direct pathway into an apprenticeship or employment, or equip them with better Maths and English skills, practical experience, a reference and equally importantly, proof on their CV of their willingness to learn and work,” adds Jill.
Support for the launch
Amongst those attending the launch were Gordon Marsden, Labour Member of Parliament for Blackpool South and Shadow Minister for Further Education, Skills and Regional Growth; and Eion Parker, Deputy Director of Pre-employment and Skills and Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
And representatives of the UK’s hospitality industry demonstrated their interest and support, including Martine Pullen, Head of Pre Employment and Apprenticeships at People 1st; Nick Dugard, City & Guilds Territory Business Manager; and employers including Cath Young, Youth Hostel Association Learning and Development Business Partner; and Christopher Hawcutt, Pizza Hut National Recruitment Manager were also in attendance.
Jason Atherton and Janet Duncan, HIT Chef Trainer-Assessor for West LondonUniquely, the entire front of house and kitchen functions were staffed by HIT apprentices and their trainer-assessors and were overseen by Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton, who is a passionate supporter of apprenticeships having benefited himself in his early career. The brigade provided a superb meal delivered with exemplary service – a practical demonstration of what is being achieved.
Six months of work placement and training
The core content of all traineeships, the duration of which will be a maximum of six months, will be a high quality work placement and training, plus English and Maths if trainees have not already achieved a minimum GCSE Grade C in those subjects.
Available for those aged 16-23, and for young people with Leaning Difficulty Assessments aged up to 25, the aim of traineeships is to secure young people’s progression to an apprenticeship or sustainable employment as quickly as possible.
Employers don’t pay – but must provide quality work experience
Employers are not required to pay young people for the work placement as those eligible will still be able to claim benefits for the duration of the traineeship.
“Employers should be clear that traineeships are not a licence for cheap labour,” warned Jill. “Our Traineeship Programme will bring together a group of trusted employers who are dedicated to providing genuine, high quality and relevant work experience.
“We will work in partnership with them to deliver the appropriate training so that at the end of the traineeship, the young person is equipped with a good set of skills to give them a head start with an apprenticeship or a step towards direct employment.
“The hospitality sector is thriving and actively recruiting, and it is an industry where age is no barrier to progression,” she added. “Young people can progress rapidly and achieve much within the industry – as long as they are given the right start.”
Employers interested in participating in HIT’s Traineeship Programme should either contact their local HIT representative or call 0800 093 5892.