Hospitality Sector Urges Government to Include Industry in Youth Employment Initiatives

UKHospitality is urging the Government to formally recognise the hospitality sector as a key player in national efforts to get young people into work.

This comes as the Government rolls out a new initiative promising 120,000 training opportunities across sectors such as construction and healthcare. But hospitality leaders say the omission of their industry – one of the UK’s largest employers of young people – is a missed opportunity.

The sector has already demonstrated its ability to deliver effective training schemes at speed and scale. Notably, the industry’s rollout of Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs), in collaboration with job centres, has helped thousands gain entry-level skills and employment.

Plans are in place for further initiatives, including a new foundation apprenticeship for hospitality starting this August and a Level 7 graduate apprenticeship scheme set to launch in September. Other proposals include adult education courses in hospitality and catering, as well as Skills Bootcamps already attracting interest in regions like London, Liverpool and Sussex.

In addition, hospitality-focused colleges across the UK are working with UKHospitality to deliver hands-on training in live commercial kitchens and restaurants.

Industry leaders argue that with the right support, hospitality can provide a clear, rewarding career pathway for school leavers and jobseekers of all ages. They are calling for urgent Government collaboration to make that vision a reality.