BII pub apprenticeship call

A new government-funded apprenticeship scheme launched by BII and People 1st yesterday is "the answer" to establishing the pub industry as a viable career path for young people.

That is according to Jeremy Scorer, third generation licensee and managing partner of Charnwood training, who described the BII Level 2 Apprenticeship in Licensed Hospitality as "unique, exciting, innovative and fit for purpose" at the launch event in London last night.

Neil Robertson, BII chief executive told an audience of pub and training industry representatives how government funding has been made available for the scheme.

Through the National Apprenticeship Service, the government will assist pubs who sign up to the scheme by fully funding apprenticeships for 16-18 year-olds. The funding will half to for 19-24 year-olds with the licensee responsible for paying the apprentice's wage.

"This is a massive step change — the government have listened and we have got a national framework for apprenticeships now which is much more responsive to the needs of employers," said Robertson.

"The challenge will be for the smaller business in our sector, of which there are quite a lot. The perceived challenge of taking on an apprentice can seem like a big commitment to some and I completely understand that, so we have to make it as easy as possible for people to take on an apprentice."

Brian Wisdom, chief executive of People 1st, added: "I think this is really positive. Apprenticeships are proven to reduce costs and improve sales, having that in place would urge employers in the industry to really take them on board."

The qualification will cover elements of licensing law, health and safety, first aid, cellar management, and customer service. BII and People 1st plan to launch the level 3 and level 4 qualifications next year.

For more information visit biiab.bii.org/apprenticeships​.