JDW ramps up training programme

JD Wetherspoon is the first pub company to commit to the Government's skills pledge initiative.

The pledge is a voluntary, public commitment to invest in its 21,000-strong workforce at its pubs and head office.

To date, companies including Sainsbury's, McDonald's, Whitbread and Tesco have signed the pledge on behalf of their staff.

Wetherspoon's director of personnel and legal, Su Cacioppo, said: "We invest £1.5m annually in staff training, which clearly highlights the importance we place on it.

"By signing up to the skills pledge, we will be able to offer our staff even greater opportunities to gain skills and qualifications, while working"

"We are demonstrating support for our employees who wish to acquire basic literacy and numeracy skills (equivalent to Maths and English GCSE at grades A - C) by investing in an online e-learning system for them to use, with the added benefit of a personal tutor on hand to support them during their learning plan."

In addition, Wetherspoon is launching its own Apprenticeship in Food & Drink Service — for all bar and kitchen associates across its estate.

The training will take place in the pubs by staff completing their current training programme, which has been accredited by Edexcel.

The Wetherspoon apprenticeship will last for six months, with the qualification being the equivalent of five GCSEs (at grades A-C).

Cacioppo, added: "Many people working in the pub industry, including those who work for Wetherspoon, start their careers at 18, without gaining qualifications at school or college.

"We want to give them the opportunity to forge a great career at Wetherspoon and begin studying for qualifications from the outset.

"We are absolutely committed to offering the best training and career progression in the pub industry."