New Programme To Produce Work-Ready Talent

Employers could benefit from a new pool of trained entry-level workers following the launch of People 1st's Employment 1st programme, and play a key role in ensuring that their local colleges support the initiative.

Employment 1st is a 60-hour pre-employment training programme aimed at those looking to secure an entry-level job in hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism. It covers 13 job roles - including chef, barista, travel agent, leisure and theme park attendant and conference/ exhibition manager – and leads to a nationally recognised qualification, the Level 1 Award in Introduction to Employment in the Hospitality Industry.

The programme was developed after employers complained of a lack of consistency in pre-employment training, and expressed a need to establish a national standard in this area. It reflects the skills, knowledge and behaviours that employers expect from their staff, and includes a strong emphasis on customer service, the legal minimum food safety (where relevant) and health and safety requirements.

Gerry Brown, People 1st's pre-employment manager, said: “Employment 1st is something employers have been crying out for – a programme that provides a standardised approach to pre-employment training across the nation, and produces work-ready individuals with the skills required to undertake entry-level jobs.”

Course graduates will also be added to the ‘Marketplace' feature on www.uksp.co.uk, where employers will be able to view their CVs and identify suitable candidates to fill job vacancies.

Gerry commented: “Over 1,000 people have already been through the programme in its pilot phase, and feedback has been extremely positive.

“I would encourage employers to get in touch with their local college and make them aware of Employment 1st, if they're not already delivering it. The more people that request for it to be delivered, the more colleges will pick it up - increasing the number of skilled applicants for jobs in our industries.”

When accounting for replacement demand, as well as the creation of new jobs, an additional one million employees will be required by the sector in the ten years leading up to 2017. Ensuring that there are skilled workers ready to fill these roles will be essential, and the Employment 1st programme plays a critical role.

For more information about the Employment 1st programme, or advice on speaking to colleges, contact Gerry Brown on 07774 698364 or email gerry.brown@people1st.co.uk.

Success Story – Jane Ward

When Jane Ward found herself unemployed at the age of 40 and facing an uncertain future, she decided to take matters into her own hands and turn her life around by returning to education.

Unemployed for twelve months, and one of 80,000 unemployed people in Manchester all vying for the same positions, Jane realised that unless she took rapid action to help her CV stand out from the crowd, her prospects of getting back into work were bleak.

Jane signed up for the ten-week pre-employment course in hospitality at Trafford College and describes her tutor and group as ‘very supportive and friendly, and all sharing a common goal to start afresh and succeed.'

Fast forward ten weeks, and Jane discovered that she had been successful in securing employment with the Hilton Hotel in Manchester, despite only completing her course the previous month!

She commented: “When the phone rang, and I heard that I was being offered a position with the Hilton Hotel, I truly couldn't believe what I was hearing!

“I don't think I would have ever considered a role in hospitality without the guidance of my college trainers, but I am so very happy it was recommended to me! The course covered so many aspects of the industry, opening up a wealth of options in hospitality, but I think front-of-house is where I see myself progressing.

“I'd advise anybody who has found themselves unemployed for a period of time to consider what retraining could do for them. Even if they haven't considered it in the past, or they think it's too late to return to learning, there's so much help out there. I've never been as optimistic about my future as I am now.”