Last month, managing director of Laine Pub Company, Russell Danks, told The Morning Advertiser (The MA) three-quarters (75%) of the pubco’s team were now under the age of 28.
In light of this, the award-winning company, which is owned by Punch Pubs, has refreshed its training initiatives to align with the needs of Gen Z, including investing in neurodiversity leadership training.
“This generation has a different learning style,” Danks said. “Rather than being against it, we’re embracing it, talking their language and understanding what makes them tick. That’s how we get the best out of them and grow careers in hospitality.”
Elsewhere, Manchester-based pub operator and brewer Hydes has introduced a range of initiatives to inspire the next generation of hospitality.
Some 50 people have completed their training with Hydes since it launched its apprenticeship programme in 2017.
The business has also stepped-up investment into its apprenticeship schemes, from pub management and kitchen careers to specialist areas such as operations, technical brewing and health and safety, encouraging people from all areas of the business to get involved.
Employees learn on the job while gaining nationally recognised qualifications, with financial incentives also available for those completing the courses. Trainees who finish a Level 2 apprenticeship receive £250, while those completing Level 3 are awarded £500 in recognition of their achievement.
Hands-on experience
Health and safety apprentice Abby Morgan joined the programme after working in hospitality for six years.
The 22-year-old is currently completing a Level 3 Safety, Health and Environment Technician apprenticeship and said the opportunity has already had a major impact on her professional development.
She said: “Health and safety is such a huge part of everyday life, and the apprenticeship route allows me to gain a qualification while getting real, hands-on experience.
“The best part is learning new things every day and being able to apply my previous knowledge in a practical way.”
Hydes managing director Adam Mayers described apprenticeships as vital to the future of the hospitality sector.
“Apprenticeships allow us to nurture talent, build confidence and ensure our teams have the skills and knowledge needed to deliver the best possible experience for our customers”, he explained.
“Our focus is always on giving licensees the tools they need to build sustainable pub businesses.”
Admiral head of recruitment and operations support Ceri Radford
In the West Midlands, a collaboration between hospitality employers and local authorities is helping young people kickstart their careers in the sector.
Launched earlier this year, the YouthPath Campaign connects employers in the region with young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), backed by companies like Diageo and Mitchells & Butlers (M&B).
Across the UK, nearly one million young people are currently NEET, with the West Midlands among the hardest-hit regions. In areas like Wolverhampton, Walsall and Birmingham, NEET rates are double the national average.
As part of the scheme, Diageo’s Learning for Life (L4L) initiative, delivered in partnership with Springboard, helps individuals aged 18+ facing barriers to education or employment build sustainable careers in the hospitality industry.
The programme champions inclusivity and supports underrepresented groups including women, ethnically diverse communities, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals and refugees.
Diageo corporate relations director Ian Smith said: “YouthPath is exactly what we need – bold, collaborative and action-focused. It’s brought the right partners together to deliver something with real impact.”
Long-term careers
Meanwhile, London-based pubco Fuller’s has planned to take on 200 apprentices in the next year.
The pubco, which operates some 380 sites, offers award-winning chef apprenticeships at different levels and for different roles, including Commis Chef and Chef de Partie.
It also boasts a management training programme for leadership development and general training for all employees in areas like wine and beer knowledge as well as support to help improve customer service.
This focus on structured progression has helped Fuller’s attract and retain ambitious people looking to build long-term careers in hospitality.
Chester-based community pub group Admiral Taverns also announced the launch of a new training initiative earlier this year, targeted at licensees.
Designed to help operators maximise their pub’s offering, drive footfall and streamline operations, the training is available to all licensees across Admiral’s 1,420-strong estate in one or two-hour virtual sessions.
Held monthly, each session is hosted by one of Admiral’s in-house subject matter experts and covers a broad range of crucial topics including marketing, social media, property, legal and licensing, finance and food development. The subject matter rotates every quarter.
Admiral also offers a range of e-learning courses for pub staff, from food safety to fire safety, as well as apprenticeships for a number of roles, delivered with HIT training.
Admiral head of recruitment and operations support Ceri Radford said: “We have always championed the importance of the great British pub because we understand the value they bring to communities across the country and our focus is always on giving licensees the tools they need to build sustainable pub businesses.”
With staff shortages still biting for firms across the sector, now is the time for more pub companies to invest in the next generation to offer long-term careers in hospitality.
It’s clear structured training, inclusive programmes and apprenticeships aren’t just good practice, they’re vital to safeguarding the future of the great British pub.
