BII launches pilot pub schemes for jobseekers

The British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) is set to launch two pilot schemes aimed at getting young jobseekers into work.

The first of the two projects, which are being funded by the Skills Funding Agency, will roll out in Bristol later this month.

Up to 20 learners aged between 18 and 23 will be selected from local job centres and upskilled for pub work by Lifetime Training, which will take the jobseekers through the BIIAB Level 1 ‘Introduction to Employment in the Hospitality Industry’ and the Level 1 ‘Award in Responsible Alcohol Retailing’.

HTP Training will also school the same number of jobseekers in Brighton, although a start date has yet to be confirmed.

Skills shortage

The BII will use its regional network of members to pair the jobseekers with local pubs to enable them to take up full or part-time employment.

Chief executive Tim Hulme said: “The BII is focusing on pre-entry training and encouraging our members to run apprenticeships, as without this investment in the talent of the future the whole sector is in danger of suffering from a skills shortage.”

For more information on the pilots contact Alice Cardwell-Hodges on 07917 507035 or email: Alice@BII.org