Destination Coventry, C&W Chamber of Commerce and PET-Xi Training have launched a training scheme in Coventry to help people of all ages enter the hospitality industry.
The ‘Step Into Hospitality’ scheme aims to fill employment and skill gaps across the sector.
Participants will receive training in key subjects including customer service, food allergens, fire safety, food hygiene, first aid and teamwork, as well learn skills in areas such as barista, bar, front-of-house and kitchen.
Applicants must be over the age of 19, unemployed and living in Coventry to be eligible. Every individual who completes the 10-day programme is guaranteed an interview for a live vacancy with a range of hospitality businesses across Coventry.
The scheme will be supported by UKHospitality. Figures from UKHospitality show hospitality already employs 259,000 people in the West Midlands and the sector contributes £6.7bn to the region’s economy.
Paul Jones, managing director of Destination Coventry, said: “This partnership is a major move for Coventry and will be crucial in supporting people with the skills they need to work in the hospitality industry.”
Sandra Kelly, skills director at UKHospitality, added: “The workforce challenges facing hospitality are no secret and it is essential that we develop new programmes to ensure a pipeline of great talent for the industry.
“There is a strong collaborative culture in Coventry and that makes it the ideal destination to launch this initiative. Step Into Hospitality has the backing of employers which is crucial, as only by working with employers can we be sure that training programmes are delivering the skills required.”
An employer showcase will be held at PET-Xi’s Metropolis Restaurant in Coventry city centre on 23 August to launch the scheme.
