The government has collaborated with the hospitality sector to foster the emergence of future leaders.

An initial programme, scheduled to commence in Liverpool before expanding to various metropolitan areas in the near future, will focus on individuals seeking employment and assist them in acquiring an industry-endorsed 'Hospitality Skills Passport' through accelerated training and hands-on work exposure.

Enrolees will successfully achieve certifications and accredited instruction in domains like health and safety, food safety, licensing, and conflict resolution, all of which will be incorporated into their Hospitality Skills Passport, a valuable addition to their curriculum vitae. Furthermore, they will undergo training in self-assurance and assertiveness to fortify their individual competencies and resilience.

This initiative has been meticulously crafted to furnish customised training opportunities for individuals seeking employment, all under the guidance of seasoned industry professionals. Its primary objectives encompass facilitating transitions into hospitality careers, augmenting workforce involvement within the sector, and contributing to economic expansion.

Notably, this scheme enjoys the support and endorsement of esteemed enterprises such as Greene King, Marriot Hotels, and ACC Liverpool, and has been launched in collaboration with UKHospitality.

As a culmination of their participation, all individuals involved will be guaranteed a job interview. This is envisioned as a pivotal step to empower job seekers with a valuable avenue for applying their newly acquired skills and to pave the way towards apprenticeship opportunities, as articulated by the Government.

Minister for Employment, Guy Opperman MP, commented:

"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 job seekers to boost their skills and kickstart their careers."

After the initial trial phase in Liverpool, there are concrete arrangements in progress to extend this programme to various cities throughout England and Wales. This expansion is slated to commence in October and will encompass metropolitan hubs such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

Kate Nicholls, UKHospitality Chief Executive, added:

"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 job seekers and businesses."