Hospitality careers guidance slated as ‘unsatisfactory’
School and college careers officers are recommending the hospitality industry as one of the best sectors to work in, although most workers admit they are unhappy with the level of advice they received.
A survey conducted for education and training authority City and Guilds, has resulted in a league table depicting the most recommended professions that young people are encouraged to apply for, with the hospitality industry coming second only to a career in healthcare.
Despite gaining widespread recognition from careers advisors across the country, hospitality workers have admitted the advice they received at school was so ‘unsatisfactory’ they have had to retrain.
Sally Messenger, sector general manager for Service Industries at City & Guilds, said: “It’s very encouraging to see that the hospitality sector is reaping the benefits of school career services. As the spotlight starts to shine on the hospitality industry in the lead up to the 2012 Olympics we must ensure that people are in the right jobs that suit their skills and interests and have the necessary training to perform to their full potential.”
The survey reveals that more than half of workers felt they had little or no guidance since leaving school, and were forced to turn to alternative sources of advice like Job Centres, the Internet, and employers.
“Without high quality careers advice, provided by well-informed organisations able to tailor their support to individual needs and reflect expertly the way the economy’s skill demands are developing, the population will be less well-prepared to adapt than the country needs them to be,” Messenger continued.
The Queen’s Speech is expected to include an Education and Skills Bill introducing the new Adult Advancement and Careers Service (AACS), which will offer workers of any level advice on how to improve their skills in order to meet the changing demands of the British economy.
