Making 2022 The ‘Year of Retention’

With 2021 dubbed the year of ‘The Great Resignation’, as workers around the UK left their jobs in record numbers, it’s time to turn the tide and make 2022 the ‘Year of Retention’.

Here, Jill Whittaker, Managing Director at HIT Training looks at why investing in training is a good place to start when it comes to attracting and retaining talent.

Embracing new priorities

After the disruption to our working lives brought about by the Coronavirus pandemic, there have been lasting changes to how we look at work and what we expect from our jobs. Periods of significant stress have resulted in a cultural shift, as workers reflect on what work really means to them and how it fits into their life.

As a sector hit by crippling staff shortages, it’s more important than ever for hospitality managers to invest in their teams – retaining the talented individuals they have, while also offering clear career pathways that are attractive to people coming into their industry.

A big part of this is the provision of training, both for those new to the sector and to help existing employees to upskill and reskill. Not only will this investment go a long way to fostering job satisfaction and loyalty, it will also reap rewards in the greater efficiency created by improving the skills of your workforce.

Apprenticeships are one of the best ways for hospitality firms to provide continual learning for their teams, whether to progress existing staff or to quickly train new starters.

Tackling misconceptions

While there’s been a growing awareness of the opportunities offered through apprenticeships, a number of prevailing myths are potentially preventing both employers and individuals from considering them as an option.

For example, it’s often perceived that apprenticeships pay poorly and offer limited career opportunities, but that simply isn’t the case.

Similarly, you may think of apprenticeships primarily as an option for school leavers, but there’s no age limit. Apprenticeships are an ideal way for people at any stage in their working lives to reskill or to build on their existing skills – whether they’re new to hospitality or want to progress further in the sector.

From Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) to Levels 6 and 7 (bachelor or master’s degree equivalent), apprenticeships are available across all sectors and skills. And in my view, there’s no role an 18-year-old could take on in hospitality that a 50-year-old couldn’t do without the right training.

As more and more people of all ages – and with various levels of experience – are starting to see the opportunities available through apprenticeships, change is on the horizon. And with greater flexibility in how apprenticeships are delivered, hospitality firms will have more options in how they attract newcomers to the sector, as well as supporting their existing employees to grow and develop in their roles.

Get in contact with our friendly team today to find out more about how apprenticeships could benefit your business.