Greene King makes new apprenticeships commitment

The brewer and pub retailer will work with apprenticeship provider, Lifetime Training, to help young people hone the skills necessary to progress up the career ladder.

The announcement comes at the start of National Apprenticeship Week​, running from 9-13 March.

Greene King has recently fulfilled its 2014 quota of 2,000 places, meaning that it has helped support over 4,500 apprentices since 2011. The company aims to have an apprentice in each of its 1,000 managed sites at all times.

Chief executive Rooney Anand said: “We are pleased to announce that we will be taking on another 2,000 apprentices this year. It is so important to support young people to get that all-important first step on the career ladder. 

Investment​

“Apprenticeships provide learners with valuable skills which will help them to build a career. Our new pledge is a testament to the level of support we provide to the hospitality industry as well as our investment in our employees.

“We offer opportunities to those of all ages and it is highly encouraging to see that so many of our sites have taken up the programme and we hope that over the coming years we are able to further grow and develop the scheme.”

The programme has supported Greene King’s ambition to combat the industry shortage of chefs, and since last summer, more than 75% of all recruited apprentices have been for ‘back of house’ roles including some in the kitchen.

The company was recently a finalist in the Apprenticeships 4 England Employer of the Year Award.

Spirit Pub Company​

Separately, Spirit Pub Company has announced plans to recruit 600 new candidates to its apprenticeship scheme this year.

Spirit is focusing on attracting new apprentices through its kitchen team development programmes; Chef Academy and Apprentichef – both of which are under pinned by a level 2 apprenticeship – as well as developing new apprenticeships in new areas, such as hotel reception and house-keeping.

Sue Burton, apprenticeship manager for Spirit Pub Company, said: “Our apprenticeship numbers continue to grow at pace enabling our team to progress through the career pathway into pub leadership roles. We’re committed to ensuring our team can benefit from learning while they’re earning as well as providing clear opportunities to follow a successful career pathway within the hospitality sector.”