Half of hospitality businesses plan to take on apprentices

Findings from the Barclays Corporate Banking’s Job Creation Survey showed that 44% – the highest percentage of any sector – are looking to take on apprentices over the next 12 months.

The hospitality sector is the fourth-largest employing industry in the UK, and almost a third (31%) of all hospitality and leisure businesses had used apprentices in the past.

Mike Saul, head of hospitality and leisure at Barclays, said: “It’s great to see that hospitality and leisure sector recognise the importance of the role it plays in supporting the up-and-coming generation of workers.”

The research, however, found a gulf between small and large businesses, with only 19% of small businesses likely to take on an apprentice. According to the report, these small businesses are missing out on the many benefits that an apprentice can bring to productivity and talent development.

Previous research from Barclays revealed that more than half (52%) of the SMEs asked would not take on apprentices due to fears about the amount of time it takes to set up and the additional support they thought a young person would need. In particular, 39% of micro companies (5-9 employees) cited red tape as the most significant barrier.

Supporting smaller businesses overcome the perceived barriers to taking on apprentices is the aim of Barclays Bridges into Work, a new programme designed to support 10,000 young people into work. The programme will help small businesses access grants, find applicants, and train young people ahead of the role, and 200 businesses have already pledged to get involved.