Springboard launches 2022 training programme to tackle looming staffing crisis

Industry charity Springboard has launched a project to train young people to be ready to enter the industry in preparation for a full recovery by 2022.

The new initiative aims to get 10,000 young people into the industry by 2022 and fill the gaps that have opened up as the industry sheds staff due to the coronavirus.

The idea is to allow hospitality businesses to rebuild and, at the same time, train individuals through an 18-month programme that prepares them for positions in the industry.

The project, which is being backed by the Department for Work and Pensions and its Plan for Jobs programme, has already gained support from hospitality employers including BaxterStorey, CH&Co, Corbin & King and Bespoke Hotels.

Springboard chief executive Chris Gamm said: "The government has committed a huge amount of support to getting young people into work, training and apprenticeships, but hospitality businesses are simply not in a place to take advantage right now.

"However, hospitality has experienced a long-term staffing crisis and, post-Covid and post-Brexit, when the industry has recovered and returned to full capacity, that staffing crisis is likely to be worse than ever."

"Our goal is to futureproof the hospitality talent pipeline and have 10,000 young people engaged, skilled and ready for work for when the industry recovers in 12 to 18 months' time."