02 February 2016
A programme to get locally-qualified jobseekers into the hospitality industry has been launched by Social Security’s Back to Work team.
The 2016 Hospitality Programme gives Islanders who have not worked in hospitality before the chance to get the basic skills needed to work in the industry. It also gives employers the opportunity to recruit and train locally-qualified jobseekers with financial support from Back to Work.
Under the programme, Back to Work will fund trainees’ wages at the minimum wage for up to four weeks while they are being trained in their new role. For the employer to receive financial support, the trainee must be a locally-qualified jobseeker who has little or no experience in the industry.
Certified qualifications
As well as giving candidates the opportunity to gain practical skills in a hospitality environment, Back to Work will also provide trainees with the opportunity to secure industry certificated qualifications ranging from health and food safety, to customer service.
The Assistant Minister for Social Security, Deputy Graham Truscott, said “There are a lot of vacancies in this sector, and with this initiative jobseekers will have a great opportunity to get a start in the industry. The programme also provides employers with an incentive to recruit new staff at no financial cost for the first four weeks of their employment.
I’m sure employers will be quick to recognise this as a great way to train new staff for the hospitality sector according to their business needs, ready for the season ahead.”
Jobseekers who have worked in the industry before are not eligible for the training incentive, however Back to Work will work closely with employers to match jobseekers to suitable vacancies within the industry.
Employers or jobseekers who would like to find out more can do so by contacting Back to Work.
gov.je