Compass Scotland launches its first ever Modern Apprenticeship Programme

This week marks something that I feel incredibly passionate about – both professionally and personally - as Compass Scotland launches its first ever Modern Apprenticeship Programme.

As an organisation, Compass Group offers many excellent opportunities, but this is the first time we have had something Scotland specific. It only seems right that we should mark our first Scottish Apprenticeship Week since the launch of Compass Scotland, by announcing the launch of this brand-new scheme; enabling 100 apprentices to learn about the fantastic hospitality industry that we have here in Scotland, directly from those working within it.

This is exciting for me on a number of levels. Firstly, I’m proud that Scotland is getting this recognition and bespoke opportunity. Scotland has an excellent reputation for its hospitality and its world-renowned food and drink, and this truly celebrates the incredible produce, supply chain and hospitality offering we have here.

Secondly, as I started my own career at Compass Group UK & Ireland at just 19, I truly understand how this level of support can make a difference, and how great a career in hospitality – and at Compass specifically – is. While there wasn’t a formal Apprenticeship Programme when I started at Compass, I was able to take advantage of many learning and development opportunities along the way, which were instrumental to the path that I’ve taken and have led me to the role I’m in today.

This Modern Apprenticeship Programme offers a structured, visible roadmap to enable individuals to progress, allowing us to retain great people. It includes Foundation, Modern and Graduate (Degree) Apprenticeships, which have been developed to take apprentices from level two up to Graduate Degree level, across a number of roles including culinary, management and retail.

As the industry recovers from the impact of the pandemic, we need to look to the future and ensure that the next generation of talent is nurtured and retained. The opportunities offered through our Apprenticeship Scheme will enable employees to change or enhance their careers, while supporting the future of the industry we feel so passionate about.

So on that note, I’m also excited about the future. We’re beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel. The foodservice and hospitality industry has been one of the most badly affected by the COVID-19 crisis, and we need to recover, rebuild and ensure that we don’t lose a generation of talent. We need a motivated and well-trained workforce to breathe new life into our venues and operations.

Modern Apprenticeships are open to everyone – no matter what stage of career or what formal education already undertaken. Anyone who is curious about apprenticeships and has a hunger for learning, should take the opportunity this week to find out more about how a Modern apprenticeship can shape your life and change your future.