In 2016, Greene King pledged to offer 10,000 apprenticeships over three years. Since then, the Suffolk based company has seen applications for its schemes rise by 141%. In 2018 the business has already recruited 43% more 16 to 18-year olds compared to August 2017.
With the uptake of university places down to a total of 411,860 according to Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) – a decline of 1% year-on-year – careers in the hospitality industry are proving an increasingly popular alternative to higher education.
Managing a pub at 24
Jason Orme, general manager at Greene King pub the Priorslee in Telford, is an alumnus of the Bury St Edmunds operator and brewer’s apprenticeship programme.
He said: “When I was 16, I had my heart set on becoming a lawyer. To earn a bit of extra money through college, I started working as a pot washer in my local pub, the Cocked Hat Gosport. I had only intended to earn a bit of cash, but before I knew it, I began learning more about how to prepare food in a professional kitchen and started to develop a real passion for hospitality. I moved into a front of house role where I was able to really interact with the customers.
“Once I’d got my A Levels, I chose to put law on hold and instead commit fully to the possibility of a career in the sector. I worked my way up to assistant manager with the benefits from the apprenticeship programme and completed a number of qualifications across food and drink, team leadership and management. Soon I was working as a relief deputy manager, covering at any one of my 18 sites that needed me. The role taught me a lot and stood me in good stead for a general manager role so when the opportunity arose, I grabbed it with both hands and at 24, I was running my own pub!
“I’m really proud of how much I’ve developed over the past eight years; never did I think I’d have got to where I am today. I’m not finished though, I’m planning to enrol on a level four management apprenticeship, equivalent to a degree, and have my sights set on becoming a business development manager within the next five years, which would focus more on providing business support and mentorship to a number of sites.
“My advice for young people collecting their results this week is to go for the path that you are most passionate about; determination and dedication will always see you through!”
‘University isn’t the only path’
Andrew Bush, group HR director at Greene King, added: “It is an exciting but tense time for those collecting their A-level results this week.
“There are a number of options out there for young people looking to the future – university isn’t the only path, and I think this is becoming more and more recognised. Our apprenticeship programme provides the best of both – to learn while earning, which is proving a real success for many of our people.
“We’re continuously investing in our apprenticeship programme and have many exciting opportunities across the country. We look forward to welcoming more new team members and offering them a stable, exciting and rewarding career with us.”
