The Choose Hospitality Pledge career workshops engaged up to 250 secondary school pupils across the three stadia locations during the summer term. Another workshop at St James' Park in Newcastle is due to happen in the autumn term.
The pledge was established to help breathe new life into the sector by ‘inspiring’ the next generation of talent. Students were offered the unique opportunity to participate in hands-on skills taster sessions, such as working as a team to lay banqueting tables, helping to develop good teamwork and communication skills.
Katya Simmons, managing director of Nestlé Professional, said: “The Choose Hospitality Pledge was established to transform perceptions of hospitality careers and address the industry's recruitment challenges. We are delighted to have collaborated with Sodexo in hosting these exclusive career workshops.
"Our partnership exemplifies the collective effort of the Choose Hospitality Pledge in addressing youth employment, a critical issue facing our industry. Together, we are urging hospitality businesses to unite and collaborate, offering meaningful opportunities for the next generation.
"I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the speakers and students who participated in making these events a success. Your contributions have been invaluable in inspiring the next generation of hospitality professionals.”
A key highlight was the inclusion of a series of panel events which brought together speakers from both Nestlé Professional and Sodexo Live! as well as industry talent from the local area.
At the Brighton workshop, attendees listened to Steven Edwards, chef patron at Etch and winner of 2013 MasterChef the Professionals, and Elycia Rayner, 2023 Toque d'Or back-of-house finalist and chef de partie at Oxford University.
Sue Davison, head of apprenticeships and early careers talent team at Sodexo UK & Ireland, added: “We are delighted that our Corporate Services and Sodexo Live! teams have been able to collaborate and support this fantastic initiative. We are passionate about encouraging young talent to join the dynamic foodservice industry and through these workshops we hope to inspire the next generation.”