Apprentice schemes should be embraced by the pub industry

The campaign ran for two weeks and I was surprised by the high profile businesses were getting for apprentice schemes within their organisation. I couldn’t help but think that as a trade we missed a trick.

Apprenticeships have existed within the hospitality trade since I can’t remember when, yet they seem to lack traction in the pub sector compared to the hotel and catering sectors. This is despite the fact that the potential to offer places within both large and small pub operations is endless. Some might say, why bother with it all? How does it help me? Or what is the point?  

To answer those questions I believe there are sound arguments to be made. On the negative side, and one I hear often, is that the cost and effort to take on individuals for them not to complete training or not take it seriously is pointless.

As a business we have always taken on apprentices and while I can’t say every experience has been positive, in five years we have enrolled eight individuals, five of whom have completed their programme and two have gone on to become key managers in our growing business.

I’d argue that although it’s not a 100% record these are better results than not investing in team members.

Furthermore, in many instances, the training is funded for individuals. It also allows for a structure of learning that smaller businesses may not be able to provide. If you plan to grow your business or make it future proof from absences and the departure of key personnel, the framework creates a succession plan.

Our industry is in need of professionalisation and recognition for the level of skill required to work within it. This brings me on to a second benefit. As an industry we often feel that we get a raw deal from the Government and local authorities despite our contributions to the community and economy.

However, we often fail to quantify our positive impact. By taking on an apprentice we can create endless positive stories with clear value that cannot be ignored, lifting the perception of our industry in the eyes of the wider world.

I’m working with both operators and organisations to do just this and, while we can’t deny the programmes need improving, they are still worthwhile. Getting on board is easy and it will be getting even more accessible in the future.