A leading local college has launched a new Hospitality Traineeship Programme that will support 16-24-year-olds to get into work while offering capacity and financial incentives for employers in one of Cornwall’s hardest hit sectors.
The new 12-week programme will start at Truro and Penwith College in October and January 2021, with an eight-week intensive programme also planned for next summer.
Trainees will attend college throughout the programme to develop their skills while completing nearly 100-hours of quality work experience with Cornwall’s top hospitality employers, where they will get a taste of a range of hospitality areas including kitchen, front of house, housekeeping, marketing and accountancy.
Time at college will include masterclasses and demonstrations from leading hospitality professionals and opportunities to meet suppliers for a well-rounded understanding of the industry.
The October and January programmes have been introduced for those who are out of work and not in full-time education. The eight-week intensive summer programme is open to all 16-24-year-olds but has been added to give those in full-time education an opportunity to develop their skills before progressing to an apprenticeship, further training or employment in hospitality.
Some of the employers offering the 100-hours of work experience are expected to be recruiting at the interview day, giving trainees experience of working in the businesses before their interview.
The new programme is the first major development after the college announced it would be ‘rapidly expanding’ its traineeship offer in response to the Chancellor’s July economic statement that cited traineeships and apprenticeships as being key to the recovery of the UK economy post Covid.
Further to the Chancellor’s July economic statement, employer incentives come in the form of a £1k bonus per trainee, with a £2k bonus for recruiting apprentices before January 21.
Suzanne Croft, Hospitality Traineeship Developer at Truro and Penwith College said: “The new Hospitality Traineeship Programme will provide trainees with up-to-date, industry relevant knowledge, skills and confidence, giving them the best possible chance of successfully applying for an apprenticeship, full-time college course or paid work.
“Each Traineeship group will complete ahead of Apprenticeship intake dates at the College, to increase their chances of further employment.”
The new Hospitality Traineeship Programme has received support from Hospitality Table Cornwall, the college’s part-funded ESF project.
To find out more about traineeships and to apply click here, contact the College’s team on 01872 242711 or email Suzanne Croft.
Employers who would like to know more should also call 01872 242711, email business@truro-penwith.ac.uk or visit here.
