Hospitality apprentices are more productive than new staff, claims survey

5th February 2010, 8:03am

Hospitality employers believe that apprentices are head and shoulders above new staff when it comes to performance and productivity, a new industry survey from People 1st has found.

Four in 10 employers surveyed (41%) claimed that apprentices were far more productive than hiring new staff, while 49% said they made their businesses more competitive.   

When asked what value apprentices added to their business, employers were bowled over by their willingness to learn (90%) and enthusiasm (63%), as well as their flexibility and responsiveness to change (47%).

And for many, Apprenticeships are becoming an attractive business proposition.  This year, one in four sector employers took on an apprentice and 37% of those currently offering the scheme said they were considering increasing their intake in the next financial year. A staggering 60% of employers who had not previously offered Apprenticeships confirmed they were seriously considering this option.

However, despite their interest, almost half (46%) are stumped by the Apprenticeship scheme process and how to go about taking on an apprentice.

Brian Wisdom, chief executive of People 1st, said:  "Apprenticeships are the lifeblood of the hospitality sector and give employers access to a rich and cost-effective source of raw and enthusiastic talent within a very short period of time which they can mould and shape into tomorrow's future leaders.
 
"Without doubt, Apprenticeship programmes encourage more talented young people into the business which ultimately should improve the quality of the hospitality workforce."

Related Articles:

• 10 Aug 2010 - Punch Taverns push staff forward with apprenticeship and training initiatives
• 25 Feb 2010 - PEOPLE 1ST REFORMS HOSPITALITY QUALIFICATIONS

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Employment KIng

17 February 2010 at 4:20pm

The government are looking to increase the UKs skills shortage by 2010, apprenticeships will help employer and employees gain the skills needed to move the industries forward. The hospitality sector in the UK is strong and has real potential for long term economical growth. This is a good time for people to up skill through apprenticeships, as the UK will be hosting a number of world events over the coming years; 2012 Paralympics, 2010 Olympics, 2010 Ryder Cup - This alone will be creating hundreds of hospitality jobs in the UK.

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