The Professional Association for Catering Education (PACE) and People 1st have once again joined forces to help employers tackle critical issues facing the sector such as changes to apprenticeships and the ongoing need to find skilled staff.
The issues will be addressed at the PACE and People 1st learning and development forum, which will bring together employers and learning providers together to discuss topics that relate to them both.
Through a range of interactive workshops and presentations, employers will be given the latest updates on skills policy and how changes are likely to impact the sector, and learn about new training technology, funding, Ofsted inspections and best practice.
Addressing the issues everyone is facing
Martin-Christian Kent, research and policy director at People 1st, said that he hoped employers would take advantage of the opportunities the forum presents to build their network with training providers:
“This forum is the only one of its kind to bring together employers and providers to discuss – and address – the issues that everyone in the industry is facing.
“It’s employers’ chance to have their say about the future skills they need in their business and how these needs can be met.”
Networking and linking with employers and providers
The programme for the forum has been designed to encourage employers to network and build links with other employers and providers to learn how they are planning to deal with the changes taking place in the skills agenda.
Geoff Booth, national chair of PACE, said that the 2014 forum presented both employers and providers with a unique opportunity to network and form and strengthen links.
“We’ve got more 30,000 hospitality students leaving college each year, yet employers are still struggling to recruit skilled staff members. This suggests that employers need to form stronger links with colleges and so they have their say in the skills students are being taught.
“Of course, with the major changes taking place to the way apprenticeships are being run, employers are very much going to be in the driver’s seat when it comes to apprenticeship design and procurement. Our forum can help prepare employers to choose a provider that suits them and prepare for the future.”
Build relationships to increase future success
With a strong focus on meeting business’ needs for the future, Martin-Christian said that the forum would also specifically benefit businesses that work nationally, across multiple sites or those thinking of expanding.
“We’ll be holding specific sessions where employers will be able to create links with colleges to help source employees for the future.
“With a focus on areas like pre-employment training, apprenticeships and continuous professional development, the programme has been designed so businesses can start building the relationships they need to increase their future success.”
12-14 March at East Midlands Conference Centre
People 1st is offering a 50 percent discount to employer partners wishing to attend the event and anyone wishing to claim this discount should contact Andy Doyle.
The Pace and People 1st learning and development forum will be held 12-14 March 2014 at the East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham.