Pizza Express Launches Fast-Track Training Programme for School and College Leavers
Posted by Emily on 10th Aug 2024
Pizza Express has introduced a programme designed specifically for school and college leavers in England and Ireland. This new initiative aims to fast-track young talent towards becoming general managers while simultaneously earning a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
The restaurant group, which operates 360 pizzerias across the UK, emphasises that this programme is focused on cultivating the next generation of hospitality industry leaders. The combination of practical experience and academic learning offers a unique opportunity for participants to gain a degree while developing essential career skills.
Applications for the programme are now open and can be submitted through Vizzy, an innovative platform that reimagines the traditional CV. Vizzy enables applicants to showcase their talents through a dynamic, personalised digital pinboard featuring videos, infographics, and images. This format allows candidates to present their aspirations, industry knowledge, and skills in a way that is both engaging and accessible.
Pizza Express is the first hospitality business to partner with Vizzy. The collaboration provides a novel approach to the recruitment process, allowing applicants to bring their personalities to life in a digital format well-suited to today's technological landscape.
Kate Hetherington, Pizza Express's Chief People Officer, expressed enthusiasm for the programme, stating, "We are excited to have launched our school and college leavers programme, and Vizzy is the perfect partner to help us find our future leaders. We have incredible progression stories at Pizza Express, with many people growing through the business."
She further emphasised the importance of understanding each applicant's unique qualities, noting, "Our teams are the heartbeat of our business, and during the application process, there is nothing more important than getting to the heart of each personality and understanding what makes them tick, thrive, and triumph. We always look for people with flair and passion for our brand."
Jess Woodward-Jones, co-founder of Vizzy, echoed this sentiment, expressing excitement about the partnership. "We are delighted to partner with our first hospitality business, and where better to start than with Pizza Express, a brand everyone knows and loves. Vizzy's mission is to help candidates express who they are to future employers in a way suited to 2024 life. We are delighted to launch in line with Pizza Express' brilliant school and college leavers programme and look forward to growing our partnership."
This initiative represents a significant step forward in the hospitality industry, allowing young people to develop their careers in a supportive and innovative environment.