People 1st says new £1bn youth scheme could help hospitality

The scheme, which aims to put 160,000 18 to 24 year olds in work over the next three years, comes at an opportune time for the sector as it gears itself for the 2012 Olympics and other major events. Under the scheme, which comes into effect from April 2012, private sector employers and trainers across England, Scotland and Wales will be entitled to wage subsidies worth £2,275 per person taken on. In addition, there will be at least 20,000 additional incentive payments for firms in England to take on 16 to 24-year-olds as apprentices. "Businesses have much to gain from this scheme particularly if they can access a new pool of talented work-ready people who have successfully completed pre-employment training in hospitality and travel," said Brian Wisdom, chief executive at People 1st. "By completing the Employment 1st programme which People 1st has developed with Jobscentre Plus, individuals have demonstrated that they are interested in a career in our sector and have acquired and understood the basic principles and knowledge required by employers. "They generally come out more confident in their abilities, develop good customer service skills and grasp health and safety and basic food hygiene practices." He added that thousands of people this year had successfully completed Employment 1st at Newham College, City College Norwich and many others around the UK. Many had gone on to work for iconic hospitality brands as well as new retail outlets such as TGI Friday's, Jamie's Italian and John Lewis at Westfield Stratford City. Further details on the £1 billion youth scheme can be found on http://www.dwp.gov.uk