Pub operators join forces to launch work placement initiative

The initiative from the Perceptions Group, which is made up of a collection of industry executives spearheaded by Keith Knowles, chief executive of Beds and Bars, will run throughout 2013/14 and plans to equip young people with foundation level qualifications and prepare them for a job via an apprenticeship or as a stepping stone on a structured career path.

The group is calling on employers to register their support for the placement programme and engage in this industry-wide initiative.

“The industry offers a huge amount of career opportunities” said Knowles. “It is often by accident that young people realise there is a fantastic career to be had in this dynamic, innovative industry. With a million young people unemployed we are well placed to be part of the solution in offering not only jobs, but also long term careers."

The programme enables training providers to run pre-employment academies and workshops that will offer potential candidates the opportunity to hone their skills prior to their application for a two-week work placement.

Over the two-week period candidates will be immersed in a mixture of online and practical training that will cover a range of modules including an introduction to the industry; team working; customer service; sales training; Food Service and Health & Safety Level 2; as well as communication and influencing; making the right first impression and dealing with difficult situations.

All candidates will come away from the pre-employment placement with three qualifications – Health & Safety; Food Safety and Customer Service. These qualifications underpin the foundation level requirements for an apprenticeship which can continue to a Level 2 stage upon agreement with an employer.

The pre-employment programme is funded by The Hospitality Guild, the umbrella organisation that operates as a single voice for skills and professional development in hospitality, championing the industry as a career of choice and uniting the broad range of bodies responsible for skills development across the sector.

A new website will provide an automated process that will enable employers in the pub and bar sector to select and manage candidates for the positions within their businesses.

Anthony Pender, director of Yummy Pubs who has been involved in a programme getting homeless and disadvantaged young people back into work, said: “Giving young people the confidence, skills and basic qualifications to enter the industry will see them well placed to pursue a career. Already we have seen three young local candidates go on to apprenticeship programmes within a matter of months.”
Knowles said: “The aim of the work placement programme is to demonstrate these opportunities and encourage those talented individuals that have the drive and ambition to join us, gain the skills and experience, and help satisfy the high levels of customer service expected by consumers today and in the years ahead.”
It is projected that the industry will need to recruit over 100,000 people over the next five years. “It is crucial that we attract people with the passion to learn and progress and to add to the dynamism of the pub and bar sector”, added Knowles.

“Which it is why it is crucial that the industry unites to give young people the chance to make an informed choice to join us - for them to see we do have structured training, great career opportunities, good pay and benefits and above all, have a heap of fun. It’s two weeks commitment – time enough to change the world for somebody”.
Interested parties can register their support via their trade or member association or email vasb@ubfcvgnyvglthvyq.pb.hx​ for more information.