Apprentices more productive than other staff, research shows

By Emma Eversham

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Hospitality industry Apprenticeship Chief executive

49 per cent of employers think apprentices make their business more competitive
49 per cent of employers think apprentices make their business more competitive
A large number of employers in the hospitality industry are finding apprentices more productive than other staff and are helping make their businesses more competitive, research by People 1st has shown

A large number of employers in the hospitality industry are finding apprentices more productive than other staff and are helping make their businesses more competitive, research by People 1st has shown.

The survey of 71 employers in the hospitality and travel sectors found that 41 per cent believe it is better to keep apprentices rather than hire new staff while 49 per cent believe apprentices make their business more competitive.

The news comes as the government launches National Apprenticeship Week with the aim of getting more businesses to hire apprenticeships through the Apprentice Grant for Employers scheme which offers a £2,500 grant for each 16 or 17-year-old apprentice taken on.

Hospitality workforce

Brian Wisdom, chief executive of People 1st, said apprenticeships were 'the lifeblood' of the hospitality industry.

"[Apprenticeships] 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.”

In the last year a quarter of employers in hospitality took on apprenticeships and 37 per cent of those said they were looking to increase the number this year. Sixty per cent of those who have not yet offered apprenticeships said they would 'seriously consider' it.

Employers said it was apprentices' willingness to learn, enthusiasm and their flexibility and responsiveness to change that encouraged them to take them on.

Recoup costs

A third of businesses said the cost of hiring an apprentice paid for itself within a year while 20 per cent said it took 18 months to recoup the costs. On average, half of apprentices stay for up to two years within a business while 27 per cent stay for three.

Charles Prew, chief executive of Barcelo Hotels, who has invested £500,000 in setting up an apprentice chef academy said apprenticeships could also be a solution to the sector's recruitment and retention problems.

"Our chefs currently taking part in the scheme are proving to be a real success. They are all motivated, ambitious with a passion to succeed. Following the training programme, we hope they will stay within Barceló UK and be our head chefs of tomorrow," he said.

Related topics Fine Dining Casual Dining

Related news

Show more

Follow us

Hospitality Guides

View more

Generation Next