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With almost one million young people in the UK currently outside education, employment or training, specialist apprenticeship provider HIT Training (part of The Opportunity Provider – TOP), is calling on the hospitality industry to recognise its vital role in helping the next generation into work.
The call comes as the company launches its First Job. Future Career. campaign, introducing Commit to Youth – an initiative encouraging employers to make measurable commitments to creating opportunities for young people. And it comes at a time when the Government is preparing to publish the next stage of the Alan Milburn’ Independent Review into Young People and Work, following his interim findings earlier this year.
According to the latest Office for National Statistics figures, an estimated 981,000 young people aged 16–24 were not in education, employment or training between April and June 2026.
HIT Training emphasises that hospitality is a leading ‘career starter sector’ and plays a vital role in opening doors to employment and developing the next generation of talent. It says the challenge goes beyond offering more entry-level jobs – employers must also ensure young people are given the support, encouragement and career pathways they need to succeed.
Importantly, the campaign also highlights the significant financial incentives available to employers taking on young apprentices.
Under current Government arrangements in England, eligible apprentices aged 16–24 can have 100% of their training and assessment costs funded, up to the relevant funding limit. Employers who do not pay the apprenticeship levy may also qualify for a £2,000 hiring payment for eligible new apprentices in this age group, while additional incentives are available for Foundation Apprenticeships. Employers can also benefit from relief on National Insurance contributions for apprentices under 25, subject to earnings thresholds. There is also a 16-18 bonus of £1,000 for all employers of apprentices aged 16-18.
HIT Training believes greater awareness and take-up of this support could help more businesses overcome some of the financial barriers to investing in the next generation.
Mike Worley, Managing Director of HIT Training says:
“Hospitality has always been one of Britain’s great career starter sectors. Some of our most successful chefs, hoteliers and hospitality leaders began with relatively modest first jobs, often discovering skills and ambitions they never knew they had.
“But with almost a million young people currently outside education, employment or training, we need to ask whether we’re doing enough to give the next generation that same opportunity.
“Crucially, a first chance must be a good first chance. It’s not simply about recruiting a young person into a job; it’s about giving them the support, training and confidence to succeed and showing them where that opportunity could lead.
“Through our First Job, Future Career – Commit to Youth, we’re asking hospitality employers to move beyond talking about the problem and make practical commitments to creating opportunities. And we’re ready to help them turn those commitments into successful apprenticeships and lasting careers.”
The campaign recognises the considerable commercial pressures facing hospitality employers, including rising employment costs and the challenges of recruitment and retention.
It also highlights the importance of supporting existing employees to develop and progress. Investing in experienced team members through apprenticeships can strengthen management capability, improve retention and create opportunities for younger people to enter the workforce.
Through Commit to Youth, employers are encouraged to create genuine entry opportunities, remove unnecessary barriers to recruitment, consider Foundation and entry apprenticeships, provide appropriate mentoring and support, and establish visible routes for career progression.
HIT Training can support employers throughout that journey, from identifying suitable apprenticeship opportunities and attracting candidates through to training, onboarding, learning support and progression planning.
Mike added:
“We know employers are under pressure, which is why this must be a shared responsibility between business, Government and training providers.
“If hospitality is serious about being a great place for young people to start their working lives, we must also demonstrate that it can be a great place to build a future.”
HIT Training is calling on hospitality businesses of all sizes to consider what practical commitment they could make to helping more young people access meaningful employment.
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