The ALMR has expressed its committed support for the principle of the new ‘T’ Levels, in its submission to a Department for Education consultation.
The ALMR’s evidence also welcomed the introduction of an alternative to apprenticeships and A levels, comprising a robust full time technical education programme. The ALMR called for the sector to be at the front of the queue when implementation begins given the acute skills and employment shortages in hospitality.
Kate Nicholls, ALMR CEO said: “The Government is taking a sensible and considered approach to a crucial issue affecting the eating and drinking out sector. However, staffing and skills shortage in our hospitality is so acute that it really must be among those areas addressed in the very first round of implementation. The potential of these measures will otherwise be lost, as we fall further behind and our shortages worsen. Eating and drinking out is at the forefront of job creation in the UK and is taking on apprenticeships and upskilling its staff, but is still treading water in terms of filling vacancies.
“The T levels have the potential to revolutionise our sector’s workforce and help to introduce young workers to an exciting career which can be diverse and rewarding in so many ways. The ALMR will continue to engage with the Government to ensure that jobs in pubs, bars and restaurants are given equal footing. These proposals could provide the vehicles that our sector needs to improve the public perceptions about careers in hospitality and to open people’s eyes to the wonderful opportunities that a career in the sector can provide.”
