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Academy of Food & Wine says hospitality industry must "work harder" to attract recruits

Published:  18 August, 2008

The hospitality industry needs to work harder at attracting this year's school-leavers and graduates in order to persuade them to opt for a career in the sector.

The hospitality industry needs to work harder at attracting this year's school-leavers and graduates in order to persuade them to opt for a career in the sector.

That is the urgent message issued this week by the Academy of Food & Wine, the industry's professional training body dedicated to skills, wine service and food service.

According to the Academy of Food & Wine, the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism industry employs over 1.8 million people and generates an estimated turnover in the UK of over £100 million - figures that are set to swell in the run up to the London Olympics in 2012.

"As school leavers receive their exam results and make important decisions about their future, the hospitality industry must make sure it is not overlooked as a career option," said the Academy's director and chief executive, Nick Scade. "There are a huge number of opportunities whether it be in hotels, restaurants or contract catering, all of which can offer exciting, fulfilling careers.

"We all know there is a massive skills shortage in our industry and that as a service sector, hospitality has suffered from a poor reputation in the past. But now the importance of attracting and retaining good quality staff is understood, and the quality of training is starting to improve, it's important that we communicate what the sector really does have to offer.

"This is a young industry - it's commonplace to find good people in their 20s and 30s running a front-of-house operation, becoming head chefs, running divisions for contract caterers or even working as hotel managers. There's a bright future to be had for well-trained, motivated recruits. We need to communicate our merits more effectively," added Scade.

The Academy of Food & Wine has launched Licence to Work (L2WTM) this year, a training course designed to improve the quality of newcomers into the industry by setting a minimum standard of competence. The L2WTM programme covers food service, wine service, customer care, health and safety, basic food hygiene and interpersonal skills.

The Academy says it is looking to make this programme a recognised qualification and hopes to be able to add more units to the core structure from different sectors - such as culinary, bar, concierge and front office.

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