Step22 launches barista apprenticeship

A new ‘barista' apprenticeship has been launched to provide specialist training for those wanting to enter the hospitality sector and support employers.

Step22, which brings together charity Catch22 and coffee group Paced, is a recruitment and training programme designed to be funded by the apprenticeship levy. As much as 90% of the apprenticeship levy is not spent by businesses, with many organisations not understanding what it can be used for.

In collaboration with Compass Group's RA Venues and Hej! Coffee, Step22 will be offering up to 48 young people with an interest in hospitality the chance to join a traineeship programme. All candidates will receive customer service training, English and maths teaching, and guidance in job applications and interviewing.

Chris Stoker-Jones, director of vocational training at Catch22, said: "We believe that successful apprenticeships are driven by strong employee and employer relationships. This starts with how we design our programmes to be bespoke to our partners; exploring what each employer requires and weaving their needs into the curriculum.

"Step22 will draw upon the experience of Catch22 apprenticeships, but will focus solely on the hospitality industry, and we are passionate about creating the best apprenticeships available in the sector. We are already working alongside industry experts such as Diageo to design the most engaging, relevant and impactful apprenticeship programmes available to employers."

Step22 is already working with Diageo, Mission Kitchen, Social Pantry and the London Progression Collaboration.

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