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The hospitality industry is in crisis because too few young people are choosing a career as a chef, the Culinary Association of Wales President has warned.
Speaking at the awards dinner for the Welsh International Culinary Championships (WICC) at Coleg Llandrillo in Rhos-on-Sea, Arwyn Watkins also said he is concerned about the high dropout rate after learners have completed their further education courses.
Watkins, who is also managing director of training provider Cambrian Training Company, said: “I believe that this is no longer a skills shortage but a people shortage. Not enough individuals are taking this industry as a serious career choice.
“Even when they have made that career choice, not enough are progressing on to the industry on completion of further education.
“We have to work with employers to share best practice on work life balances and the changing dynamics and expectations of the workforce. No longer can our industry survive on goodwill.
“We all have to think differently if we are to secure a sustainable workforce. Not an easy ask but necessary.”
Meanwhile, the deputy minister for farming and food, Rebecca Evans, outlined the aims of the Welsh Government’s ‘Food and Drink Wales Action Plan’ to grow the food and drink sector, which she described as the “rising star of the Welsh economy”, by 30% to £7bn by 2020.
