It’s been some time since I last highlighted BGL’s apprenticeship program—about five years, in fact—but recent developments have given us a compelling reason to revisit it.
Below, I’ll outline how BGL’s commitment to this apprenticeship initiative aligns with three significant trends currently shaping the hospitality industry:
- Many hospitality businesses are facing significant challenges due to skills shortages and rising labor costs following the pandemic, amid ongoing inflation pressures. As a result, these companies are experiencing higher staff turnover, increased wage expenses, and difficulties in attracting skilled workers. Therefore, apprenticeships are gaining recognition not only as a social policy initiative but also as a crucial part of business strategy.
- Governments, particularly in the United Kingdom, are implementing adjustments to policies concerning apprenticeships, including modifications to their duration, assessment methods, and off-the-job training requirements. These reforms aim to enhance the flexibility and accessibility of apprenticeship programs.
- There is a significant emphasis on inclusion and social mobility, which necessitates the creation of apprenticeship programs that are accessible to individuals from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds. These programs are viewed as essential instruments for promoting broader participation in the workforce.
BGL: placing people at the center of its growth plans
BGL has consistently allocated its apprenticeship levy over the past several years to invest in both current and future employees within the organization.
This initiative encompasses efforts to enhance the skills of greenkeepers and develop inclusive management programs.
The group’s comprehensive strategy is designed to make significant progress in promoting diversity and providing opportunities for local communities.
The investment in apprenticeships illustrates BGL’s increasing commitment to establishing career pathways for young individuals entering the workforce, as well as enhancing the skills of existing employees to advance into new areas of responsibility.
Since June 2024, BGL has successfully promoted 115 employees.
Janice Moore, BGL’s Learning and Development Manager, said:
“The apprenticeship levy continues to be a helpful resource for colleague development, with 38 completed apprenticeships to-date, and 31 colleagues currently part-way through their studies.
The majority of these have been in greenkeeping and food and beverage, but it is exciting that we also have colleagues doing qualifications in subjects such as payroll, marketing, and hospitality management.
In spring we launched a new development initiative called ‘Step-up to General Manager’, and each participant is doing a management apprenticeship qualification as part of that.
The Step-up to General Manager Programme itself provides learning across seven areas: People, Administration, Commercial Operations, Customer Service, Finance, Health & Safety, and Personal Development. We look forward to our pilot cohort graduating in 2026!