The Future of Hospitality Talent: Empowering Youth
Listen to the insights from the latest Footprint podcast in association with Nestlé Professional Change.
Top voices from the hospitality, foodservice, and recruitment sectors unite to tackle the growing talent shortage in hospitality. In the latest episode, “The Future of Talent in Hospitality and Food Service,” in association with Nestlé Professional, experts explore the challenges and strategies for attracting and retaining the next generation of talent.
As the hospitality industry faces unprecedented recruitment challenges, filling over 100,000 vacancies has become a priority for businesses nationwide. In this latest episode of the Footprint Podcast, industry leaders delve into the factors driving staffing shortages and offer solutions for making hospitality a more attractive and sustainable career choice.
Hosted by Nick Hughes, Associate Editor at Footprint, the episode features insights from:
- Amanda McDade – National Head of Careers and Education, Springboard Charity
- Steven Edwards – Chef and Owner of Etch in Brighton and Hove
- Julia Jones – Head of Sustainability and Corporate Communications, Nestlé Professional
- Martin McDonald – Apprenticeships Lead, Sodexo UK and Ireland
Addressing the Talent Crisis
The hospitality industry is facing an ongoing staffing crisis that has persisted since the pandemic. Steven Edwards discussed how his restaurant, Etch, has responded by offering better work-life balance and competitive pay to retain staff, while Amanda McDade highlighted the persistent challenge of attracting young people to the industry.
Youth Engagement and Sustainability
Attracting the next generation of talent is critical to the industry’s future. Julia Jones explained how Nestlé Professional is actively involved in initiatives like the Choose Hospitality Pledge which they cofounded with Springboard and Chef Publishing. This initiative focuses on engaging young people early by showcasing hospitality as a rewarding career choice. Sustainability plays a key role in this, as today's youth are increasingly motivated by companies that demonstrate environmental and social responsibility.
The Power of Apprenticeships and Mentorship
Mentorship and apprenticeship programs are key to building a skilled workforce. Martin McDonald highlighted how Sodexo’s apprenticeship programs provide a valuable pathway for young people to gain the skills needed in the hospitality sector. Programs like Spingboard’s Future Chef also play an essential role in connecting youth with experienced mentors, giving them the chance to develop their culinary talents in professional settings.
Changing Perceptions of Hospitality Careers
Despite hospitality often being viewed as a transient job, the panel emphasized that it offers significant long-term career opportunities. Competitions like Nestlé Professional’s Toque d'Or and Springboard’s Future Chef are helping shift perceptions by providing young people with exciting platforms to build their skills and confidence, showcasing hospitality as a fulfilling career path.
Conclusion
The Footprint Podcast continues to provide a platform for meaningful discussions on the pressing issues within the hospitality sector. In this episode, the expert panel provided valuable insights into how the industry can attract and retain young talent, while also creating a more sustainable future for the workforce.
For more insights on shaping the future of talent in hospitality, tune in to the full episode here. [Click here to download and listen to this podcast]
