Hospitality can offer much-needed careers to young people with government help, says BBPA boss
Britain's hospitality trade can create much-needed jobs and careers for young people quickly - provided the industry works effectively with government to give them a better deal.
This was the message from British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) chief executive Brigid Simmonds (pictured), speaking at yesterday's National Licensed Hospitality Industry Apprenticeships Summit in Leicestershire.
Simmonds praised the role of UK pub companies in providing training, apprenticeships, and job opportunities, pointing out that 45% of the country's 600,000 pub employees are under 25. As a result, she said, apprenticeships and training to create career progression and a motivated workforce were vital.
"Apprenticeships are essential for young people entering the trade. A well-trained and highly motivated workforce will improve standards and add value to the sector," she said.
"But the Government must help the industry to create these opportunities for young people, with a better business environment, lower taxes and less red tape. Pubs are small businesses working in local communities. They need enthusing, encouraging and incentivising.
"We need a simpler process on access to apprenticeships funding from the Government, but it's a two-way street. As an industry, we can and will do more to promote the benefits of apprenticeships to lessees, tenants and pub operators.
"We need to work for wider recognition that the sector has a lot of opportunities to offer young people and there is real career progression. You can run your own business at the age of 25. This industry provides training and career progression and you don't require qualifications to start."
By Caterer Staff
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