UKHospitality partners with government on training scheme
The hospitality-specific training schemes could provide pubs with thousands of job-ready recruits.
The Department for Work and Pensions has announced that it will partner with trade body UKHospitality to roll out hospitality Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) to 26 new areas in need of jobs, meaning more skilled workers for pubs and bars.
Following a successful pilot of the scheme in 2024, ran by UKHospitality, which delivered an 85% completion rate, the government has committed to roll the idea out nationwide. Of those who completed the pilot course, 80% secured employment in hospitality.
Alison McGovern MP, minister for employment, will be addressing delegates at UKHospitality’s Workforce and Skills event on 26 February to discuss the announcement and the roll-out of the schemes.
"UKHospitality’s Sector-based Work Academy pilot proved to be a brilliant way to provide high quality, entry-level training for both new starters and those looking to get back into work," says Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality. "I’m delighted that the government is rolling out our pilot to 26 new areas and using it as the model for its exciting plans to deliver at least 100,000 SWAP participants next year."
How it works
The hospitality SWAP delivers bespoke training to people looking for work. It trains them with relevant skills, provides a work placement and a guaranteed interview, helping participants be as job-ready as possible.
It will include the development of the Hospitality Skills Passport, which is a transferrable tool that team members can use to demonstrate their competence and qualifications, avoiding duplication of training when moving roles.
"This announcement gives us the impetus to expand our work across the country, help more people find rewarding jobs in hospitality, boost growth, tackle economic inactivity and continue to develop our Hospitality Skills Passport," adds Nicholls.
"This is an incredibly significant development for hospitality businesses, and one that UKHospitality has been working on for a number of years. There will be a number of ways to get involved in these SWAPs and I would urge businesses to register their interest with the UKHospitality team to ensure you’re kept informed."
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