Sodexo UK & Ireland has partnered with HIT Training to support small and medium sized hospitality businesses with £250,000 funding from its annual apprenticeship levy to support culinary apprenticeship programmes.
The partnership between Sodexo and HIT Training will remove financial barriers from small and medium-sized (SME) hospitality businesses across the UK and open employment opportunities in the hospitality industry for young people in disadvantaged areas.
The gifted levy from Sodexo will fund culinary programmes delivered by HIT Training, supporting individuals to gain industry-recognised qualifications, hands-on experience, and the confidence to thrive in professional kitchens. HIT’s programmes are tailored to meet learners where they are, offering flexible, supportive training that leads to long-term career progression.
Bill Buchan, HR director, Sodexo UK & Ireland said: “It is incumbent on businesses such as our own to play an active role every day in breaking down the barriers to opportunity that exist in our country. As an employer of more than 30,000 people, we have the power to be a driver of social mobility everywhere that we operate.
“Through this partnership with HIT Training we are opening doors to meaningful careers in hospitality for people who may not otherwise have access to training and development opportunities. Together with HIT we are helping build a more inclusive and resilient hospitality workforce by investing in skills and creating pathways into the industry.”
Mike Worley, managing director, HIT Training added: “The future of hospitality depends on developing skilled, confident people who can thrive in the sector. By partnering with Sodexo, we can help small and medium-sized businesses access vital training that would otherwise be out of reach. This not only gives apprentices the chance to gain recognised qualifications and grow their careers, but also ensures the industry has the talent and expertise it needs to adapt, innovate and succeed long into the future.”
Sodexo’s approach when selecting an organisation is to ‘gift with purpose’ to those that share its social value ethos and ensuring they have an inclusive workplace. Since 2019 it has pledged around £2.5 million of the apprenticeship levy it pays.
Large businesses, such as Sodexo, that pay the apprenticeship levy can choose to transfer up to 50% of their levy funds each year to other organisations to pay for their apprenticeship training and assessment.
Hospitality SMEs interested in learning more about eligibility and programme options to access levy-gifted apprenticeship training can contact HIT Training by emailing info@hittraining.co.uk.
