Government backs sector for apprenticeships - Ed’s letter

Hospitality was one of three areas - alongside AI and engineering - where the government is focusing its efforts to cut youth unemployment, expanding youth apprenticeships to 50,000 places over the next three years.

As part of this, the 5% levy on apprentices for under-25s will be removed and the full cost of apprenticeships for eligible young people under 25 at small and medium-sized businesses will be covered.

Sir Keir Starmer said: “It’s time to change the way apprenticeships are viewed and to put them on an equal footing with university. This is a defining cause for this government and a key step towards our ambition to get two-thirds of young people in higher-level learning or apprenticeships.”

Chris Perriton, Head of Learning Pathways, Marston’s, added: “At Marston’s, we believe apprenticeships are a vital pathway for young people to build confidence, gain practical skills and unlock long-term careers in hospitality. We welcome the Government’s commitment to expanding opportunities and driving skills development, and we’re proud to play our part by offering high-quality apprenticeships across our pubs and support teams. These programmes not only provide hands-on experience but also the structured training and mentoring needed to help the next generation thrive in our industry.”

It’s a strong first step in achieving that which we all want to see: spreading the news that our sector is the place where great careers are born. We see it first hand with our Professional Development , where ladders are climbed and growth achieved.

Last month’s Budget suggested that hospitality was merely a golden goose to be squeezed for eggs, with government spokespeople popping up on the news to talk about how we weren’t productive, how we weren’t a priority. This latest move suggests that they have noticed the role we play in being that important first step for a rewarding lifetime.

The numbers back us up. The WTTC reported that, in 2024, the sector supported a record 357 million jobs worldwide and was forecast to support 371 million jobs this year. Over the next decade, Travel & Tourism was projected to generate 91 million new roles, accounting for one in every three net new jobs created globally.

This meant that, by 2035, global demand for workers in Travel & Tourism would outpace supply by more than 43 million people, leaving labour availability 16% below required levels. 

We’re all too aware of the war for labour, but, if governments such as Starmer's can be persuaded that, at the very least, we can fill some gaps, then maybe they will also come to appreciate the potential for careers, not jobs and support us accordingly.