Licensees given more support to take on apprentices at their pub following new Government report
Written by jeweller and social entrepreneur Jason Holt, the Holt Review lays out a number of measures intended to raise awareness among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) of the value of apprenticeships.
New measures announced in the report include improving the performance of training providers to SMEs and simplifying access to
the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers.
“While apprenticeships offer undoubted growth opportunities for businesses, not enough SMEs are taking advantage,” said Holt.
“This is because they have an outdated view of apprenticeships, they are often in the dark, and frequently do not receive the specific training provision their apprentices need.
“My recommendations are intended to address these issues, with the Government, employers and providers all playing a part.”
The report has been welcomed by Education Secretary Michael Gove and Business Secretary Vince Cable, and is backed by the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) and hos-pitality training provider Charnwood Training Group.
“I think the report can only benefit the industry massively because it affords all operators some transparency on what an apprenticeship really is,” said Jeremy Scorer, managing partner at Charnwood.
“An apprenticeship is well-suited to progression within a company and is just as effective in supporting employed individuals, as well as being a great opportunity for people out of work looking for a job.”
ALMR strategic affairs director Kate Nicholls added: “Training in licensed hospitality has to be fit for purpose and we are pleased that the Government has emphasised the need to improve clarity around how training standards are agreed, communicated and also provided to our members.
“However, as our sector employs few 16 to 17-year-olds, we would like more funding support for 19 to 24-year-olds and even older workers, especially those with no qualifications or those that haven’t progressed through further education.”
For further information, visit the BIS website.
