Greene King pledges 2,000 new recruits to apprenticeship scheme
Hospitality operator and brewer Greene King has pledged to recruit over 2,000 management and kitchen skills apprentices in the next 12 months.
The move seeks to build on the company's existing apprenticeship scheme, which launched in 2011.
Since April 2013 the scheme has led to improvements in staff turnover (a drop of 8%), engagement (up 4%) and productivity levels (up 2%).
From March 2014, those on the scheme will have the chance to undertake an official Apprenticeship qualification as well as diplomas in hospitality management. Apprentices can tailor the programme to suit their interests, are taught to study independently, and are encouraged to follow the Greene King career pathway into further roles in the company's businesses.
In association with Charnwood Training Group, the initial apprenticeship scheme was launched in 2011, and has since been taken up by over 3,500 employees across the group's bars, restaurants, pubs and hotels.
Those on the scheme work everywhere from the kitchens to in management roles, and all have had the chance to undertake relevant qualifications as part of their training.
John Smith, group HR director for Greene King, said: "As our business grows, we are proud to offer the apprentices that join Greene King the opportunity to move straight on to a career path to allow them to fulfil their true potential."
Jeremy Scorer, managing partner for Charnwood Training Group, added: "[This] is proof of the value of working in partnership. When we developed this programme it was important to take Greene King's well-established career pathway into account and it is so encouraging to see so many sites have taken up the programmes we offer to up-skill their teams and improve their business."
Suffolk-based pub retailer and brewer Greene King was founded in 1799, and now employs 22,000 people, and operates over 2,300 pubs, restaurants and hotels as a mix of tenanted, leased and franchised properties.
Its major brands include Hungry Horse, Old English Inns, and Loch Fyne Seafood & Grill, while its most well-known ales include Greene King IPA, Old Speckled Hen, and Abbot Ale.
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