Government-backed employment scheme launches to fill hospitality job vacancies

A pilot scheme, set to launch in Liverpool before being rolled out to other major cities over the coming months, will target job seekers and help them gain an industry recognised ‘Hospitality Skills Passport’ via fast-tracked training and work experience.

Participants will complete qualifications and accredited training in areas such as health and safety, food safety, licensing, and conflict resolution to add to their Hospitality Skills Passport, which can be added to their CVs. They will also receive training in confidence and assertiveness to build personal skills and strength.

The scheme is designed to provide tailored training for jobseekers from industry experts, allowing them to move into a career in hospitality, while boosting workforce participation in the sector and helping to grow the economy, and is endorsed by businesses including Greene King, Marriot Hotels and ACC Liverpool and launched in partnership with UKHospitality.

The programme will culminate with a guaranteed job interview for all participants, ‘helping job seekers with a valuable progression opportunity to apply their new skills and a pathway to apprenticeships,’ according to the Government.

“This innovative collaboration between DWP and UKHospitality is a national first and underscores our commitment to work with industry to address challenges, fill vacancies and grow the economy,” say Minister for Employment, Guy Opperman MP.

“The standardised and industry backed Hospitality Skills Passport will help bridge the gap for those looking for work in the hospitality sector, helping job seekers to boost their skills and kickstart their careers.”

Following the pilot launch in Liverpool plans are in place to expand to other cities across England and Wales including London, Manchester and Birmingham from October.

“Hospitality is a fantastic sector that offers a diverse variety of career opportunities, which is why it’s so well suited to helping people back into work,” says UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with the Government to help run this exciting programme, which we hope can be a real positive for both job seekers and businesses.”