Think Again survey – is a career in hospitality the right choice?
Employees in the hospitality sector feel well-rewarded and fulfilled in their careers, but do not believe that the outside world views the industry with the same eyes, making it harder to recruit young talent.
That's the key finding from a new survey by Caterer and Hotelkeeper as part of the Think Again campaign, in partnership with recruitment specialist Caterer.com and vocational training provider Lifetime, supported by industry charity Springboard.
The survey of 160 hospitality professionals revealed that an overwhelming 83% feel they are in a fulfilling career, while 60% think they are well-rewarded. A total of 64% said they would encourage their own children to go into the industry.
Despite that, the vast majority (93%) think the hospitality industry suffers from a skills shortage, and 78% think young people are currently discouraged from entering the hospitality sector by teachers, careers advisers and parents.
Meanwhile, there were also concerns among nearly three quarters of respondents (72%) that there was not a sufficient number of good quality apprenticeships in the sector.
The results of the survey support Caterer and Hotelkeeper's decision to launch the Think Again campaign, which aims to highlight the excellent opportunities a career in hospitality can offer.
Caterer and Hotelkeeper group editor Mark Lewis said: "This confirms what we have long believed - that the hospitality industry offers enjoyable, fulfilling careers and high levels of job satisfaction.
"At a time when youth unemployment sits around one million, it seems more important than ever to encourage young people to consider a career in hospitality."
ENGAGE WITH YOUNG PEOPLE
"Over the next several months we will work towards making the case for this industry to them, as well as doing all we can to encourage operators to engage with young people and show them what is on offer."
Commenting on the results of the survey, James Bennett, marketing communications manager at Lifetime said: "The results show a real pride in the industry, but the perception there is a lack of skilled work highlights the integral role apprenticeships have to play.
"Apprenticeships offer a real opportunity for employers to start addressing the existing skills shortage, while at the same time giving young people career prospects in a sector which is both fulfilling and rewarding for them to work in."
Anne Pierce, chief executive of Springboard, said: "There are some powerful messages in this research, reinforced by the overall findings from our perceptions research with young people of school leaving age, which showed that 82% don't know what they want to do when they leave school.
"However, 53% would positively consider a career in hospitality - which is counter to the view that young people are not attracted to the industry."
