Cardiff Spearheads Government-Endorsed Hospitality Jobs Program
Posted by Emily on 26th Jan 2024
Cardiff has become the latest city to embrace an innovative government-backed scheme to train individuals for hospitality careers. This initiative, a collaboration between UKHospitality and Cambrian Training, marks a significant effort to invigorate the industry with fresh talent.
Central to the scheme, supported by the Department for Work & Pensions, is using Cardiff's iconic Principality Stadium as a training ground. Participants will receive a unique 'Hospitality Skills Passport', a digital credential showcasing their newly acquired skills to potential employers.
The scheme's curriculum covers essential areas like health and safety, food safety, licensing, and soft skills such as conflict resolution and assertiveness. A testament to its effectiveness, previous iterations in cities like London and Manchester have successfully equipped benefit claimants with both qualifications and accredited training.
Renowned industry players, including Greene King, Brewhouse & Kitchen, and Compass Cymru, endorse the program and offer guaranteed job interviews for those who excel. This collaboration underlines the industry's commitment to nurturing new talent.
Sandra Kelly, skills director at UKHospitality, expressed high hopes for the program's expansion across Britain, citing the success of pilot schemes in England. Managing director of Compass Cymru, Jane Byrd, highlighted the hospitality sector's unique openness to individuals with diverse backgrounds and varying experience levels.
The urgency of this scheme is underscored by the hospitality sector's staffing crisis, with over 112,000 vacancies reported at the end of 2023, according to the Office for National Statistics.
As this pioneering program takes root in Cardiff, it promises new career paths for jobseekers and revitalises a vital industry. Your thoughts and insights on this innovative initiative are invaluable. Please share your comments below.