The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers praised the ability of the sector to provide meaningful experience and opportunities for young people.
ALMR chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “The licensed hospitality sector provides young employers with a wealth of opportunities to learn, earn money and build the beginnings of a fantastic career.
“There is a misconception that pubs and bars offer only short-term solutions, but many of the sector’s leading entrepreneurs started their journey behind a bar or in a kitchen. Licensed hospitality is a sector that works best when its team members are given the opportunity to excel and innovate.
"Anyone who starts work behind a bar in their local pub can find themselves running their own venue or managing their own team within a few years."
Apprenticeships
Mitchells & Butlers is offering 1,700 apprenticeship places across the UK this year. The pubco has joined forces with a youth expert to keep their options open and consider an apprenticeship in the hospitality industry.
Mitchells & Butlers apprentices have provided the company with a 70.3% retention rate over the past year, which is twice the industry average. Approximately 90% of its learners are in a supervisory role after one year.
Alternative
Director of learning and talent development at Mitchells & Butlers Jan Smallbone said: “Starting as an apprentice gives young people a genuine alternative to academic study, and a real path to a career. We are dedicated to working with our teams to nurture this raw talent and develop them into the future managers across our businesses.
“Our apprentices will work across our renowned portfolio of brands, learn from our experienced teams, gain a professional qualification and have a real opportunity to progress up the ladder. Your career really can start with us and help us harness a pipeline of future leaders.”
"Earn while they learn"
Youth expert and teenologist Sarah Newton said:“We all want the best for our children and their futures, but we need to make sure we’re not leading them down a path that might not be right for them. As university costs continue to rise and the earning power for graduates drops, apprenticeships, which see young people earn while they learn and still proffers equal qualifications at the end, are an avenue any one unsure of ‘what’s next’ should explore.”