03 Dec 2015 Skills Minister Launches Pizza Hut Restaurants’ Apprenticeship Programme
Rutland is pleased to announce that on Wednesday 2 December 2015, Skills Minister, Nick Boles MP announced the launch of Pizza Hut Restaurants’ first ever Apprenticeship Programme, which will see the company pledge 1,500 new apprenticeships over the next five years.
Offering the full range of apprenticeships from Level 1 to degree standard, the programme will provide employees with a range of skills, from guest service and hospitality leadership through to more technical requirements focusing on food production and financial analysis. Each individual will be supported by a personalised development plan to ensure structured progress through the organisation.
The degree level apprenticeship, a first for the restaurant industry, will be open to all Pizza Hut employees and apprentices and will be run with Manchester Metropolitan University. The programme includes a mix of academic and practical modules with a focus on Pizza Hut Restaurants’ award winning service training. The Apprenticeship Programme complements Pizza Hut Restaurants’ commitment to up skilling young people with the casual dining chain employing around 5,000 young people each year.
Speaking at the launch of the programme, Skills Minister, Nick Boles MP said: “Apprenticeships add value to our businesses and workforce right across the economy. These apprenticeships at Pizza Hut Restaurants will offer even more people the opportunity to gain skills and knowledge while working. I would encourage more businesses to take the lead from companies like Pizza Hut Restaurants to start or expand their apprenticeship programmes.”
Kathryn Austin, Director of HR and Marketing at Pizza Hut Restaurants, commented: “Our people are truly at the heart of our business. Only through them can we offer our customers an experience that is second to none, so we are delighted to be leading the industry with our degree level programme. The launch of our apprenticeships comes at an exciting time for our business as we continue to make headway in our refurbishment programme. Over the next few years we will work hard to provide our apprentices and team members with the best training and development so that we can equip them with skills for life, not just for working in a restaurant.”
Alexia Seabrook, 18, Apprentice in the Wellingborough Hut said: “Enrolling on the Pizza Hut Restaurants’ Apprenticeship Programme has been life changing. I have already learnt so many skills that are not just relevant for my job now but for a life long career. I have also made lots of new friends and become much more confident in myself. I am excited for what the future holds.”
Pizza Hut Restaurants has now launched the programme across all restaurants in England with Scotland and Wales soon to follow. The restaurant chain has also committed to paying all apprentices the national minimum wage, as opposed to the statutory apprentice minimum wage, across its restaurant chain. Apprentices joining the casual dining brand will be doing so at an exciting time for the business.
David Wingfield, Partner at Rutland Partners, said: “This Apprenticeship Programme is a great way for young people to kick start their career giving them a head start in business. The programme has been structured to give the participants a balanced further education in both practical and academic business studies as well as the chance to earn a salary while doing so.”
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