Compass Scotland To Create 100 Modern Apprenticeship Opportunities With Launch Of Bespoke Apprenticeship Programmes
Compass, the food, hospitality and support services company, which last year signed up Michelin-starred chef Tom Kitchin as a “culinary ambassador”, have said its apprenticeship programme creates a ‘career progression roadmap’ for an individual to work toward, from a foundation, modern or graduate apprenticeship, dependent on their individual situation.
University of Strathclyde have established a ‘four-year graduate apprenticeship in business management’ and four Compass apprentices are now studying there.
Foundation apprenticeships have also been developed in partnership with Skills Development Scotland, Eastbank Academy, City of Glasgow College and Glasgow City Council. Modern Apprenticeships will be offered in partnership with Polaris and City of Glasgow College.
To deliver the programme, Compass Scotland is working closely with Scottish clients, local businesses, hospitality industry stakeholders, colleges, and universities; with input from Tom Kitchin.
The firm said that the aim is to deliver an ‘industry-leading, aspirational career pathways structure that offers genuine opportunities for skills development and progression’. Apprenticeships will be offered in culinary, front of house, facilities management, business administration, retail, customer service and management.
Compass Scotland as part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, launched as a distinct business in November, 2020. The firm has, however, been operating within the country for about 70 years.
Commenting on the scheme Compass Scotland managing director, David Hay said “This new scheme offers a truly bespoke opportunity, enabling 100 apprentices to learn about the fantastic hospitality industry that we have here in Scotland, directly from those working within it.
“Scotland has an excellent reputation for its hospitality and its world-renowned food and drink. As the industry recovers from the impact of the pandemic, we need to look to the future and ensure that the next generation of talent is nurtured and retained.
“The opportunities offered through our apprenticeship schemes will enable employees to change or enhance their careers, while supporting the future of the industry we feel so passionate about.
“It’s an exciting opportunity at the time we need it the most, and I’m excited to see the results.”
Tom Kitchin said: “I am very excited to be working with Compass on their apprenticeship scheme, which should help to bring through the next generation of hospitality talent in the UK.”
Jonathan Foot, head of apprenticeships and early careers at Compass Group UK & Ireland, added: “As an organisation, we offer many excellent learning and development opportunities, but this is the first time we have had something ‘Scotland specific’.
“We have made a commitment to modern apprenticeships, supporting the skills development of existing employees as well as attracting new talent. Our structured career pathways offer opportunities for all roles and ages across all business sectors within Compass Scotland.”
The roll-out of the apprenticeship programme coincides with Scottish Apprenticeship Week.
Compass operates in some 6,000-odd locations across the UK and Ireland, providing catering, cleaning and facilities management services to a range of clients and sectors.
In Scotland, the firm provides catering and support services across sectors including education, workplace catering, defence, sports and leisure, plus an Aberdeen-based offshore business. Clients include Edinburgh Zoo, Chrysaor, the Edinburgh Intl Conference Centre and Merchiston Castle School.
Compass Scotland ambassador Tom Kitchin with MD David Hay credit @Schnappsphoto
