Jobseekers looking for a hospitality career have had a taste of what it’s like, thanks to a new restaurant masterclass.
The pilot scheme, which launched in Liverpool last month, is now supporting benefit claimants in Manchester to gain an industry recognised skills ‘Passport’ accreditation. It is is endorsed by hospitality leaders including Greene King and the Marriot Hotel.
Last year the hospitality sector was worth over £16 billion to the UK economy with over a quarter of a million people in the North West employed in the sector.
Those enrolled in the scheme were offered hands on learning as they took part in a table services and restaurant serving masterclass at the Manahatta restaurant in Deansgate this week.
Industry experts
The event was led by industry experts which demonstrated the skills needed to work in and run a successful kitchen and restaurant.
Minister for employment, Guy Opperman MP said: “This innovative collaboration between DWP and UKHospitality is a national first and underscores our commitment to work with industry to address challenges, fill vacancies and grow the economy.
“The standardised and industry backed Hospitality Skills Passport will help bridge the gap for those looking for work in the hospitality sector, helping jobseekers to boost their skills and kickstart their careers.”
The Manchester course will also see participants taking part in a cocktail making masterclass session, history of the distillation processes, and a hands-on tutorial on the skills needed to prepare cocktail classics.
Accredited training
Benefit claimants will complete qualifications and accredited training in areas such as health and safety, food safety, licensing, and conflict resolution to add to their Hospitality Skills Passport – a digital pass which can be added to CVs to show employers jobseekers have the skillset required by the sector. They will also receive training in confidence and assertiveness to build personal skills and strength.
The programme will culminate in a guaranteed job interview for all participants, helping jobseekers with a valuable progression opportunity to apply their new skills and a pathway to apprenticeships.
Pilot
The pilot is set to launch in other cities across England and Wales throughout October and November.
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality said: “Hospitality is a fantastic sector that offers a diverse variety of career opportunities, which is why it’s so well suited to helping people back into work. We’re delighted to be partnering with the government to help run this exciting programme, which we hope can be a real positive for both jobseekers and businesses.”
