Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions, Jo Churchill and Minister of State for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business, Kevin Hollinrake will be addressing the attendees at The Hospitality Apprenticeship Showcase (HAS) on Wednesday 7 February in the House of Commons during National Apprenticeship Week (5-11 February 2024). The Ministers will also take time to meet with employers and apprentices to hear about the roles and opportunities within the sector.
The Ministers joins Rt Hon, Alun Cairns MP and Rt Hon Kelly Tolhurst in supporting the showcase that unites individuals and companies across the hospitality industry recognising the outstanding work carried out by apprentices and the wide range of career paths created by employers.
At this year’s event, circa 100 MPs, representing constituencies across the UK will be in attendance to meet with apprentices and company representatives that live and work in their constituencies. These individuals will have the opportunity to discuss the future of hospitality with their MPs and spread awareness of the industry and the vast array of career opportunities that are available within it.
On the day, over 100 apprentices from 33 different leading hospitality companies will head to the House of Commons to showcase their skills. The apprentices’ professions vary, and a number of roles will be showcased on the day, from chefs, front-of-house team members and brewers to niche roles of professional support team apprentices, property surveyor apprentices and marketing apprentices. Companies in attendance this year include AB InBev, British Institute of Innkeeping, British Beer and Pub Association, Beds & Bars Ltd, Fuller, Smith and Turner, Greene King PLC, HIT Training, Lifetime Training, Marston’s PLC, Mitchells and Butlers PLC, Nando’s, Stonegate Group, UK Hospitality and Umbrella Training.
Rt Hon Kelly Tolhurst MP said: “Having attended the Hospitality Apprenticeship Showcase in previous years, I am pleased to be hosting and involved in such an incredible and important event for the hospitality industry. It is great to not only recognise the vast assortment of roles available to those already in or looking to begin in the industry but also celebrate those who have undertaken apprenticeships and learning and development courses to progress within their careers and further their education and skill set.”
Rt Hon, Alun Cairns MP who chairs the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group and hosts the event said: “The annual Hospitality Apprenticeship Showcase exemplifies the hospitality industry at its best and I am thrilled to be hosting the event once more. Each year we are so impressed by the diverse range of roles showcased by the apprentices and the variety of professional development opportunities available to these individuals. Apprenticeships are a fantastic route into the work market for those that thrive in a hands-on learning environment and the hospitality industry is at the forefront of apprenticeship developments with innumerable opportunities.”
In its eight-year history the Hospitality Apprenticeship Showcase has welcomed more than 1,200 apprentices from the hospitality sector to the House of Commons to date celebrating National Apprenticeship Week.
Event founder, Leisure PR’s Managing Director Maureen Heffernan said: “This event never fails to inspire. To hear directly from the amazing apprentices that attend the showcase is a testament to the commitment companies make in ensuring the apprenticeships offered are fit for purpose and provide limitless possibilities for career progression.”
