Bass boosts training
Bass Taverns is launching a graduate recruitment programme in order to attract more high-calibre staff.
"We need a greater number of managers to support our business objectives and, since every other major company in the trade is in the same position, we decided the best way to proceed is to develop our own," said Tony Goddard, director of human resources at Bass Taverns.
The programme is designed to boost the idea of the pub trade as a fully fledged career, rather than as a temporary step before moving on to something else, he said.
Called Choices, the programme will involve 120 graduates taken on from about 35 colleges in its first year. Appointees will be trained up to the level of a unit manager's position within two years.
Bass has also introduced a Certificate of Management for licensed house managers, believed to be an industry first. It has been piloted over the past year and now gained accreditation from the Institute of Management. Bass Taverns plans to set up development centres for the appraisal of managers as part of the programme.
Total investment in training and human resources at Bass Taverns is up 16% this year, in line with its £200m expansion programme which will lead to the creation of 3,000 new jobs.
The company's three-year-old Investors in People programme has just received re-accreditation. In addition, about 20,000 of its 48,000 staff are continuing to study for National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs). Some 2,000 are expected to gain their NVQs by October.
- Pub and restaurant managers will be able to improve their catering expertise following the launch of an advanced qualification in the subject. The British Institute of Innkeeping is introducing a catering management certificate, along with a financial management certificate and business development certificate, for licensees and their management staff.
