PPHE looking to acquire 40 new apprentices to join the hospitality industry
The group has launched a new Apprenticeship Academy to meet increasing demand for skilled workers in the industry
PPHE Hotel Group, which own the Park Plaza Hotels and Art’otel brands has announced a new apprenticeship academy to meet the increasing demand for workers in the industry.
The creation of the Apprenticeship Academy – which is designed in partnership with hospitality apprenticeship provider Umbrella Training – underpins the company’s vision of realising its growth potential.
The launch comes on the heels of the British Hospitality Association’s announcement in January that Britain is facing a shortage of more than 60,000 skilled workers per year in the hospitality industry.
PPHE, which has eight hotels within the UK, identified opportunities for current team members and prospective new talent to further advance their professional development through this new scheme focusing on four key areas agreed in collaboration with Umbrella Training: Security, Chefs, Maintenance and Finance.
VisitEngland reports that chefs make up a fifth (21%) of all skill shortage vacancies for skilled trades in England – a key area that PPHE’s Academy programme has been designed to address through the Park Plaza Chef Academy programme.
To support the promotion of the Apprenticeship Academy, PPHE has committed to a programme of activity during National Apprenticeship Week from 5 – 9 March 2018.
Jaklien Van Sterkenburg, VP people and culture, said: “Our upcoming development pipeline includes two new Art’otels in London meaning that we will have a strong focus on attracting new, and identify existing talent within the business.
“We want to offer the best apprenticeship opportunities to grow and develop our talent and provide the skills and qualities that the group and industry requires.”
With its ongoing commitment to apprenticeships, PPHE Hotel Group plans to open applications for a new Front of House apprenticeship scheme in April 2018 and is set to roll out all apprenticeship programmes nationally from May 2018.
Plaza Leeds and Park Plaza Nottingham will be the first two hotels in the portfolio to lead these programmes.
The group is working closely with The Prince’s Trust, Lambeth Working and Springboard to recruit for these apprenticeship roles.
