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26th June 2012

Apprenticeships – pub trade vital in creating job opportunities for young people says BBPA Chief Executive

Britain’s hospitality trade can create much-needed jobs and careers for young people quickly – provided the industry works effectively with government to give them a better deal. This was the message from BBPA Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds, speaking at today’s National Licensed Hospitality Industry Apprenticeships Summit in Leicestershire.

Mrs Simmonds praised the role of UK pub companies in providing training, apprenticeships, and job opportunities. An astonishing 45 per cent of the country’s 600,000 pub employees are under 25, she said, so apprenticeships and training to create career progression and a motivated workforce are vital.

There are few barriers to entry in the trade, and pubs provide a career path into both management and potential business ownership for thousands of budding entrepreneurs. Mrs Simmonds called for the Government to create more investment incentives for apprenticeship schemes, to increase take up.

 

“Apprenticeships are essential for young people entering the trade. A well-trained and highly motivated workforce will improve standards and add value to the sector,” said Mrs Simmonds.

 

“But the Government must help the industry to create these opportunities for young people, with a better business environment, lower taxes and less red tape.  Pubs are small businesses working in local communities.  They need enthusing, encouraging and incentivising.

 

“We need a simpler process on access to apprenticeships funding from the Government, but it’s a two way street. As an industry, we can and will do more to promote the benefits of apprenticeships to lessees, tenants and pub operators.

 

“We need to work for wider recognition that the sector has a lot of opportunities to offer young people and there is real career progression.  You can run your own business at the age of 25. This industry provides training and career progression and you don’t require qualifications to start.”

 

Ends

 

For further information please contact:

 

David Wilson, Director of Public Affairs: 020 7627 9151/ 07557 436 033

Neil Williams, Communications Manager: 020 7627 9156 / 07974 249 779

 

Notes to editors:

For more details about today’s National Licensed Hospitality Industry Apprenticeships summit, see the BII website here:

 

The British Beer & Pub Association is the UK’s leading organisation representing the brewing and pub sector.  Its members account for 96 per cent of the beer brewed in the UK and around half of Britain’s 51,000 pubs.

 

 

Neil Williams

Communications Manager

British Beer & Pub Association

020 7627 9156

07974 249 779

www.beerandpub.com