NAW 2022 | IoH corporate member Fridays to recruit apprentices at 87 stores within two years

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, NAW 2022, IoH corporate member Fridays, part of newly listed Hostmore plc, is looking to hire apprentices at each of its 87 stores, plus each support centre function, within the next two years.

Fridays have refreshed its apprenticeship scheme in partnership with Lifetime, the award-winning training provider. To be called Leading The Way, it is a comprehensive programme of apprenticeship schemes for people across all ages, jobs roles and levels of seniority.

In the wake of the impact of the pandemic on the hospitality industry, the scheme is designed to showcase the value of jobs in the sector. As well as training staff to deliver service in line with Fridays’ famed focus on the guest experience, it ensures that people are equipped with all important skills for life and work in hospitality and beyond.

The apprenticeship programmes available range from level 2 (entry-level) up to level 5 (regional directors) and take 12-16 months minimum to complete. The programmes are all ‘earn while you learn’, and can be completed at the participants’ own pace alongside their jobs at a  Fridays store.

All apprentices will have access to an online learning platform that includes a tailored learning plan, e-learning resources and a ‘skills radar’ to track progress against various milestones. At the end of the scheme, participants receive a nationally recognised apprenticeship standard from the Institute of Apprenticeships.

Commenting on the relaunch of the scheme, Karen Barnard, People & Culture Director at Fridays, said: “Our fabulous Fridays’ people are our most important asset. We’ve always been committed to investing in their development but after the rollercoaster of the last two years, we want to reinforce our efforts to meet that commitment. Our new apprenticeship scheme is a key part of that.

“Apprentices can join us from any part of the UK, at any age, in any job role. The culture and heritage at Fridays is built on pride, passion and personality. We want people who want to have fun, engage with others, and learn new skills and progress in a supportive and inclusive atmosphere” explained Karen.

“Our vision is to be an industry leader in offering career opportunities to people across the UK, and our goal of one apprentice in every store and support centre function in the next two years is the first step towards that vision becoming a reality” she concluded.

Robert Richardson, IoH CEO welcomed Fridays revamped scheme: “Our partnership with Fridays as a corporate member and valued supporter is built on development and progression, and building the next generation of hospitality leaders. Apprenticeship schemes are a critical tool in helping us achieve that, so we’re thrilled to see this exciting organisation working with the IoH and investing so much in training and development – especially at such a critical time for the sector.”

To find out more about Fridays’ apprenticeship scheme, please email the Fridays team here.

Lifetime Training joins the IoH in NAW 2022. Find out more.