Hospitality needs to work harder to attract school leavers and graduates

The hospitality industry needs to work harder at attracting this year's school-leavers and graduates in order to persuade them to opt for a career in the sector, the Academy of Food & Wine warned today.

The training body said the hospitality industry – which has suffered from a poor employer brand in recent years – must do more to communicate the benefits of working in the sector.

Nick Scade, the Academy’s director and chief executive, said: “As school leavers receive their exam results and make important decisions about their future, the hospitality industry must make sure it is not overlooked as a career option. 

“There are a huge number of opportunities, whether in hotels, restaurants or contract catering, all of which can offer exciting, fulfilling careers. 

“This is a young industry – it’s commonplace to find good people in their 20s and 30s running a front-of-house operation, becoming head chefs, running divisions for contract caterers or even working as hotel managers. 

“There’s a bright future to be had for well-trained, motivated recruits. We need to communicate our merits more effectively,” he added.

The call came a day before Sector Skills Council People 1st is due to launch a television advertising campaign extolling the virtues of working in the sector.

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By Daniel Thomas

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