Suzy Jackson, executive director of the Hospitality Guild, said that without the commitment of businesses and their teams, apprenticeships simply could not be offered to those seeking to build their careers on the job.
“It’s high time that the role of organisations that fund, train and employ apprentices is recognised for their contribution to growing a new generation of hospitality professionals.”
Following the structure of current apprenticeship programmes, the awards, which are being held in partnership with sector skills council People 1st, identify the hospitality industry’s potential stars at different levels of their career journey. Award categories have also been created for companies.
There is no charge to enter the awards and nominations must be submitted by October 12th and individuals or businesses can enter in the following categories:
· Intermediate Apprentice of the Year
· Advanced Apprentice of the Year
· Apprenticeship Mentor of the Year
· Employer of the Year: SME (less than 250 employees)
· Employer of the Year: Large (more than 250 employees)
· Partnership of the Year
Jackson continued: “We’re witnessing a huge growth in the numbers of people completing apprenticeships. In the last year alone nearly 15% more people completed an apprenticeship with a hospitality employer.
“Over 26,000 people dedicated themselves to a programme of training while at work and tens of hundreds of companies have made these opportunities possible.
“Apprenticeships are a valuable business tool that enable employers to create a precisely skilled workforce and a talent pipeline for the future.
“We are working with increasing numbers of hospitality employers to make sure that everyone can see how apprenticeships can benefit their business. At the same time we’re working to try to broaden the appeal of offering apprenticeships.”
The new awards have the full support of David Way, chief executive of the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), who said: “These Apprenticeship Awards offer a great platform for young people and employers to gain recognition for excelling in the hospitality field.
“All the finalists will be encouraged to gain further recognition by also entering the prestigious National Apprenticeship Awards 2013.
“Both awards recognise the crucial role apprenticeships play in helping individuals develop fulfilling careers and driving competitiveness and economic growth.”
Geoff Booth, Professional Association for Catering Education (PACE) chief executive officer, said: "PACE supports the drive by the Hospitality Guild to recognise and celebrate the achievements of hospitality apprentices. Within the PACE Network, there are over 200 providers offering apprentice training in partnership with local employers.
“This is an excellent way of highlighting the very best individuals and the people behind their successes."
The winners of the Hospitality Guild Apprenticeship Awards will be announced in December at a prestigious event to be held at the House of Commons, alongside the Hospitality Guild’s Young Hall of Fame which collectively showcases the initiatives and awards of the Guild’s partner organisations.
More information about the awards and nomination forms can be found on the Hospitality Guild website at www.hospitalityguild.co.uk/awards.