SSP beats own recruitment target of 800 apprentices after pledging 750 by 2014
Food travel firm SSP has beaten its target to recruit more than 750 apprenticeships by 2014, announcing that it has taken on 800 apprentices to its programme this year so far.
The news comes amid recent research from Barclays banking, which suggested that young people may not be fully aware of apprenticeship opportunities in the hospitality and leisure industry.
Introduced in July 2010, the SSP programme has more than 1,500 people enrolled, and is open to all new SSP employees, whatever their age, academic or professional past. Upon completion of the scheme, employees also have the chance to complete a foundation degree with Coventry University.
Martin Walder, head of learning and development at SSP, said: "The hospitality and catering industry is not always a young person's first choice for a career, and yet we have a high demand for skilled teams.
"Our apprenticeship programme allows young people to learn while they earn and has enabled us to recruit and retain a number of truly excellent colleagues."
Apprenticeships have been in the spotlight in recent months, as it was reported that there has been increased demand for a dwindling supply of places. In addition, in July, the Government introduced proposals for new funding to allow businesses more control over the apprentices they employ and the skills they are taught.
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Growth in demand for hospitality and catering apprenticeships >>