Currently exclusively rolled out in Sheffield-based hotels: Copthorne Hotel Sheffield, DoubleTree Sheffield Park, Kenwood Hall Hotel and Mosborough Hall Hotel, it will be extended to more businesses in the next academic year if proven successful.
With 14 apprentices enlisted from across the four venues, the one-year scheme involves on-the-job training and studying at Sheffield College, where they will benefit from the campus’s £1.2 million catering wing.
Kate Stenton, human resources and development manager at Copthorne Hotel Sheffield, explained: “We need more people with the right skills to train in the hospitality industry, particularly in some of the basic craft service skills and etiquette.
“We know there is some great potential hospitality talent in Sheffield. Our aim is to nurture and keep it in the city.
“Our industry offers exciting job opportunities, and we want new lifeblood coming through.
“This trial scheme is our response to that challenge. We are pleased that The Sheffield College is supporting us, given its strong reputation in the catering and hospitality sector.”
The Sheffield College deputy head of learning, Lyn Sale, added: “We are pleased to work with Hospitality Sheffield, who represents the city’s leading hotels and event companies.
“This innovative approach will ensure our industry develops and grows local talent, and provides exciting and rewarding careers in hospitality.
“As well as ensuring employees develop key craft skills, it also offers them the opportunity to work with catering and hospitality colleagues across the city.”