Angela Williams, the contract caterer’s personnel director, said: “We have always seen the value that developing our people brings to individuals, their teams, our clients and the organisation as a whole, and apprenticeships are a great example of some of the work we do in this area.
“Apprenticeships provide us with a skilled and efficient workforce who are engaged in their role whilst at the same time cultivating a culture of fresh eyes and new ideas.
“In addition, it gives us the opportunity to support our local communities by helping people into jobs with a multi-national company that has a diverse range of positions.”
Hospitality apprentice Nicolle Wood, 22, who is working at Central Manchester Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “You get out what you put in, so you need to be committed.
“But it’s a great opportunity to be able to earn and learn on the job. Because I’m doing this course through an apprenticeship programme, it’s funded by the Government.”
And chef Kyro Williams, 21, on HMS Belfast in London, said: “Do it, but you have to want it and have a passion for it.”
Williams added that Sodexo currently had 280 apprentices, and was looking to take on more in 2014.