All-Party Parliamentary Group releases report to support apprenticeships
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Visitor Economy has launched a new report, advising on Supporting Skills and Apprenticeships in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry.
The report highlights the main issues affecting apprenticeships in the industry, and outlines 14 recommendations to help professionals support the industry, such as increasing the use of role models and ambassadors to tackle the perception deficit.
The APPG report also highlights chef shortages and a lack of language skills, alongside addressing concerns about the apprenticeship levy which is due to come into force next year.
Representatives from the government, UKinbound, Springboard, People 1st, BHA, Jurys Inn, Whitbread and a variety of training providers, further education bodies and trade organisations were asked to give submissions for the report.
Nigel Huddleston, MP for Mid-Worcestershire and co-chair of the APPG for the Visitor Economy, said: "It has been a great pleasure working with the industry on this report and we are delighted to have developed evidence-based recommendations for how we can better support apprenticeships and upskill workers in our society.
"Improving the current methods of skills training in the UK will require the government and industry to work together to create feasible and sustainable measures that support hospitality and tourism for years to come."
Margaret Ritchie, MP for South Downs and co-chair of the APPG for the Visitor Economy, said: "Hospitality and tourism is the fourth-largest industry in the UK and currently employs 4.5 million people. It was encouraging to hear from businesses that the industry allows promotion from the ‘kitchen floor' to the most senior-level company management.
"The recommendations in this report can be applied to other sectors and we look forward to working the Minister for Apprenticeships on next steps and seeking a Backbench Business Debate on the issue of apprenticeships in the hospitality industry."
The APPG, which was set up in 2015 to respond to a range of issues facing the industry, will now focus on coastal communities for its next project.
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