The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has shown his support for the British Hospitality Association (BHA)‘s plans to create 7000 new apprenticeship positions in the city by the end of 2016. To mark the occassion, the Mayor helped two young Premier Inn apprentices serve breakfast to guests at Premier Inn, Leicester Square, last Monday.
Boris Johnson says: “Thanks to London’s international appeal as a top tourist destination, hospitality is one of the city’s boom industries, and it is superb to have the support of the BHA in supporting 7000 more young Londoners into a great career and helping to meet the demand for a skilled and dedicated workforce in this field. Apprenticeships not only help young people get a foot on the career ladder, they boost businesses with an eager, committed workforce – I urge all London’s firms to grasp the opportunity and take on an apprentice.”
London is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, with millions of visitors expected this year. Tourism now contributes £36b to the capital each year and employs over 700,000 people, and this is expected to continue to increase. The hospitality industry is forecast to grow by over 16% by 2020, which will mean a huge demand for a skilled and loyal workforce.
Ufi Ibrahim, CEO of the BHA, adds: “As well as investing in young Londoners, the hospitality and tourism industry is sowing the seeds for its own future by nurturing young talent and helping to stimulate economic growth. By working collectively to tackle youth unemployment in London and across the UK, the Big Hospitality Conversation has generated quality work experience, apprenticeships and jobs for 16-24 year olds. Support from our Mayor will be instrumental in achieving our ambitions to create 7000 apprenticeships for 16-24 year olds by the end of 2016 and showcasing the exciting, meaningful and rewarding careers can be built in the hospitality industry.”
