Everywhere that you look there seems to be news about another crisis or cause for panic in the hospitality industry, but we think that 2023 is actually a year for positive opportunities in hospitality, particularly for young people and apprentices.
The hospitality industry has always been a popular choice for young people.
Even as far back as 2012, hospitality employers topped the table for recruiting young people, with 84% of employers who had recruited having employed a young person.
Initiatives such as Springboard to 2022 saw 10,000 trainees of all ages secure jobs in hospitality, 85% of which were trainees under the age of 30.
As many hospitality businesses plan for the year ahead, contending with high competition and vacancies, they may be wondering where a solution lies…are young people and apprenticeships the future of the hospitality industry?
Let’s take a look at the outlook for apprentices and young people in hospitality and how this demographic could be the key to the future success of the industry.
What is the outlook for hiring young people and apprentices in hospitality?
Research has indicated that 95% of school leavers are not currently considering a career in hospitality, with 55% of school leavers viewing hospitality jobs as a temporary fix.
There are multiple misconceptions working against the industry when it comes to attracting younger workers and apprentices.
Firstly, hospitality can often be seen as a temporary stop between an academic career and then a post-graduate job.
Instead of being viewed as a career in which young people can progress rather rapidly, hospitality roles can instead be perceived as having low pay, unsociable hours, and poor earning potential.
Over 18,000 apprentices have been registered on programmes for hospitality roles as part of an initiative facilitated by People 1st International, meaning that there are multiple progressive pathways for apprentices to pursue across hospitality.
The gap here is clear – young people have apprehension towards the industry because there is minimal awareness about how it has changed or an awareness of the opportunities available.
The time spent raising the number of apprenticeships in the industry has shown that if a collective effort is made to raise awareness and define clear pathways for entry for younger people, whether in a standard employment or apprenticeship capacity, then numbers should rise, and perception should improve.
Tackling skills shortages
There are multiple, well-documented skills shortages occurring across the hospitality industry.
Difficulties with high vacancies have only widened these gaps for many businesses, meaning that skills shortages are a fundamental area of recruitment that needs to be addressed for hospitality businesses.
Chef culinary skills, for example, is an area presenting huge challenges for the industry.
Apprentices that are training under the new hospitality standards outlined by People 1st International, for example, can develop from entry level through to senior roles, meaning that skills shortages are addressed through adequate training and the retention rate for apprentices can climb significantly higher.
Generally, apprenticeships will also allow apprentices the opportunity to expand their skillset in a way they may not have been able to before due to the level of support offered.
Similarly, many young people that may be under the impression that they don’t have the right skills for hospitality could be ideally placed for solving the hospitality industry’s skills shortage.
Shifting trends in the industry suit a younger demographic
If you ask young people what they’d like out of a job or what their ideal job would provide them with, they might reply with the following:
- Something sociable that involves working in a team
- Clear progression opportunities
- On-the-job training
- Flexibility around working hours
- Making a positive impact on people/making people happy
All of these areas could be provided by a hospitality role.
Though the hospitality industry still has strides to go in convincing young people that the industry can provide them with long-term prospects, the post-pandemic shift towards a more balanced, flexible form of working is undoubtedly different to the perception people might have.
Therefore, attracting and retaining young talent is reliant on emphasising this shift towards a more balanced, flexible approach in your overall strategy.
Hiring (and nurturing) young talent challenges perceptions
By focusing on hiring young talent, the increased diversity will have a positive impact on the perceived diversity and attractiveness of the industry.
As mentioned, hospitality, at present, isn’t a highly sought-after career for this demographic for a range of reasons, from unsociable working hours to the perception of low salaries.
Bridging the gap can often require the ability for young people to see, in clearer terms, what their career trajectory might be like in a hospitality role or apprenticeship.
What career opportunities does hospitality have to offer to young people? Which skills are apprentices and young employees benefiting most from learning? What was the progression like?
When the industry focuses on the young talent it already has, it’s providing the younger demographic with role models and casting a wider net for recruitment efforts.
As one of the largest sectors in the UK, it’s time for hospitality to start considering a long-term approach to recruitment, rather than fast, temporary solutions.
Hospitality is ripe for opportunities
A diverse industry such as hospitality will always be reliant on a steady flow of engaged, skilled workers… but is the industry doing enough to attract them?
As we’ve mentioned above, attracting younger workers and apprentices to hospitality is reliant on the ability of each business, and the industry at large, to convey the opportunities of the sector.
At a time when so many people are concerned about the cost-of-living crisis and job stability, hospitality offers a step into the workforce that is supportive and rewarding.
Let us help
If you’re looking for an expert hospitality recruitment partner, Talent Hive can help.
Our team has in-depth knowledge of the ins and outs of hospitality, and we’re extremely passionate about helping hospitality businesses secure the best talent.
Get in touch today to find out more.