COMPASS SCOTLAND CELEBRATED APPRENTICESHIP WEEK WITH NEW PARTNERSHIP

Compass Scotland has partnered with Apprenticeship in Hospitality Scotland (AHS) to provide training opportunities for the next generation of Scottish hospitality professionals.

Part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, the UK’s largest food and support services firm, Compass Scotland launched as a distinct business in November 2020. AHS is a world-class, industry-led hospitality apprenticeship programme, aiming to inspire and support the building of a successful long-term career.

Two Compass Scotland apprentices are currently working on the AHS programme, which includes a series of industry-led masterclasses as part of their learning journey.

The AHS partnership is the most recent of Compass Scotland’s apprenticeship initiatives since its launch. The business has partnerships with Skills Development Scotland, Springboard, Polaris, Eastbank Academy, City of Glasgow College, Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Caledonian University and University of Strathclyde to develop Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeship opportunities. Additionally, Compass Scotland is also committed to the government’s Kickstart Scheme and Young Person’s Guarantee.

The partnership follows on from Compass Scotland’s role as primary catering supplier at COP26, which saw the teams, including apprentices, serve more than 10,000 delegates per day over the two-week conference; and last week’s announcement that Stevie McLaughlin, Scotland’s only two Michelin-starred Chef, has become its Culinary Ambassador – where he will play a central role in the apprenticeship and training programme.

Compass Scotland MD, David Hay, said: “We are committed to offering a truly bespoke opportunity for apprentices to learn about the hospitality industry in Scotland, and our work with AHS and other partners really boosts this offering.”

Scotland has a rich history in the hospitality industry and we have much to be proud of. We’re passionate about quality and service, as can be demonstrated by our work at COP26 and our new partnership with Stevie McLaughlin, so it’s important that we also pass this on to the next generation. Our apprenticeship programme enables employees to change or enhance their careers, while supporting the future of the industry we feel so passionate about.”

Jonathan Foot, Head of Apprenticeships and Early Careers at Compass Group UK & Ireland, adds: “The aim of our apprenticeship programme is to deliver an industry-leading, aspirational career pathways structure providing genuine opportunities for skills development and progression. Our apprenticeships cover multiple elements of the hospitality industry, including culinary, front of house, facilities management, business administration, retail, customer service and management.”

Developed to offer an alternative to university, AHS is designed to encourage young people to enter the hospitality industry and start a lifelong career in a rewarding industry. AHS offers two routes to training – hospitality and professional cookery – and they work with partners and supporters to create bespoke workshops and experiences for apprentices to build their knowledge and skills.