Pubcos offer A-level graduates alternatives to university

Pubcos are offering apprenticeships​ to young people; not only to tackle staff shortages within the sector, but also to scout for new talent.

Here are some apprenticeship opportunities pubcos are offering 18-year-olds who are not going to university in September:

Greene King​

Greene King is set to take on 10,000 apprentices this year; this will cover a variety of roles including front of house, bar staff and chefs. So far the scheme has helped more than 7,400 apprentices to work towards and gain qualifications within the sector.

General manager at the Ship, Isabelle Pearson, joined the apprenticeship programme after finishing her A levels at 18 - she managed to achieve all four levels of the scheme’s qualifications within three years.

She said: “I thought it would be a stop-gap job, but very quickly realised that I wanted to run my own pub.

“I felt that taking an apprenticeship would help me achieve that goal. My apprenticeship has given me more confidence and I have learnt valuable skills for my job. It has changed my life.”

Rooney Anand, chief executive of Greene King, said: “For those collecting their A level results this week and not wanting to go to university, an apprenticeship is a great alternative.

“We are proud of our programme and believe it provides young people with a chance to progress a career in hospitality, whether that be front-of-house serving our customers or in the kitchen.”

Star Pubs & Bars​

After investing £20m in creating around 750 new jobs the company has set up an apprenticeship scheme for Star licensees, offering an online staff training package with 24 staff training and development courses.

Star has also recently launched a chef recruitment toolkit to help licensees attract and recruit staff, which contains a ‘How to’ guide on interviewing and recruiting candidates as well as job advert templates highlighting the benefits of working in the pub industry. 

Lawson Mountstevens, managing director of Star Pubs & Bars, said: “If pubs are to continue to increase food sales, the industry needs to start developing tomorrow’s talent. We all have a part to play in building the sector's credibility as a serious career option. Offering serious, professional, portable qualifications is important for the leased pub industry’s image. 

“Our recruitment toolkit helps licensees promote the benefits and career opportunities offered in pub catering. The materials and support give licensees’ recruitment drives the sort of professionalism looked for by candidates who are serious about a career in catering.”

Punch​

Punch is offering an apprenticeship programme to help young people, which gives them an opportunity to gain a qualification while training on the job. This funded programme combines both on-the-job training and a formally recognised qualification.

Helen Willis, learning and development manager at Punch, said: “As we know, staff retention is an ongoing struggle for the industry and apprenticeships really help combat the view that 'working in hospitality is only for the short term'. Through learning at their own pace in an environment they work in day-to-day, young hospitality talent can enhance their career options to become rising stars whether in front or back of house. We encourage publicans to consider whether offering an apprenticeship programme could assist their business whilst also offering the best of both worlds for the employee.”

“Food is a massive income opportunity for pubs. Customer expectations are higher than ever and the food has got to be good for licensees to succeed.”

Willis also suggested licensees should invest in training existing staff, and progressing those who have been apprentices to full-time team members.