The report emphasises the need for more multi-skilled apprentices at career entry level. It also highlighted apprentices should be allowed to move between departments to give them a broader experience and boost their chance of gaining a promotion.
Joanna Moonan, deputy director of IfATE, said: “I’m delighted to present this report and want to thank the many catering and hospitality employers and other stakeholders who provided valuable insights and ideas that are being taken forward. It reflects how skills training is being improved to support more people into exciting careers and where possible progress to higher levels.”
The report also found that the hospitality sector was impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic the UK’s exit from the European Union. Vacancies reached a peak in Spring 2022 with ONS reporting a three-monthly average of 176,000 from April to June 2022. This had fallen to 95,000 for July to September 2024.
Mental health and wellbeing of workers was flagged as an important concern. The report also said that the industry continues to face labour shortages, particularly skilled chefs remain in high demand.