As we celebrate Hospitality Apprenticeships Week, it's a great opportunity to reflect on the role apprenticeships play in changing lives, developing talent and creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds.

I have the privilege of leading Skills & Early Careers at Compass Group UK & Ireland, and one thing that never fails to inspire me is seeing the impact that learning and development can have on an individual's confidence, career and future ambitions.

Apprenticeships are a huge part of that story, but they're only one part of a much bigger journey.

What apprenticeships are available at Compass?

One of the things I love most about Compass is the sheer variety of opportunities available.

Whether someone is taking their very first step into the world of work or looking to progress into a senior leadership role, there is a pathway for them. We offer apprenticeships across hospitality, culinary, business, management, digital, finance, facilities management and many other areas of the business.

For me, it's important that people understand apprenticeships aren't limited to one profession or one stage of life. They can open doors at any point in your career.

I'm particularly proud that apprenticeships sit within a much wider talent journey. From inspiring young people through our Junior Chef Academy to developing future culinary leaders through our award-winning Forward with Marcus Wareing programme- we're creating opportunities for people to learn, grow and progress throughout their careers.

We're proud to be recognised as one of the UK's leading apprenticeship employers, recently ranking 25th in the Department for Education and Higherin Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers. While that recognition is fantastic, what matters most to me is seeing the impact these opportunities have on individuals and their futures.

How many apprentices do we have working at Compass?

We currently have more than 700 apprentices developing their careers across Compass, which is something we're incredibly proud of.

Every apprentice represents someone's ambition to learn, develop and progress. Behind that figure are hundreds of individual stories of colleagues investing in themselves and building their futures.

Alongside apprenticeships, we're continuing to grow our wider early careers programmes too.

Why are apprenticeships so powerful?

Apprenticeships are such a powerful way to change lives. I've seen first-hand how they help people build confidence, develop new skills and unlock opportunities they never thought possible. Whether someone is starting their career, changing direction or taking the next step into leadership, an apprenticeship gives them the opportunity to learn while doing, gaining real experience alongside nationally recognised qualifications.

We've had countless colleagues who have secured promotions, moved into new roles or discovered strengths they didn't know they had because they took that first step onto an apprenticeship.

They're also an important part of addressing one of the biggest challenges facing our country today, helping young people who may be struggling to find a route into employment.

Why are apprenticeships such a key part of the Compass strategy?

What excites me most is how apprenticeships fit into the bigger picture. Through our Classroom to Careers strategy, we're creating pathways that begin long before someone joins Compass. It might start with a school visit, work experience placement or employability programme before progressing into employment, an apprenticeship, a graduate role or a leadership position.

I genuinely believe everyone should have access to opportunity, regardless of their background. Apprenticeships help us make that happen while also developing the talented people who will shape the future of our business and industry.

What new initiatives have Compass created over the last 12 months?

The last 12 months have been incredibly exciting because we've been able to take ideas and turn them into meaningful action.

A lot of our focus has been on understanding the challenges young people face and asking ourselves what more we can do to help. One thing we heard time and time again was that many young people don't have access to meaningful work experience or careers insight.

That's why we've invested in our Virtual Work Experience Platform. We wanted to create something that removes barriers and gives young people, wherever they live, the opportunity to explore careersand better understand the world of work.

We've also continued to grow several of our existing programmes. Our Junior Chef Academy continues to expand, introducing more young people to the fantastic opportunities available within hospitality, while our six signature development programmes are helping colleagues build specialist skills and progress their careers.

I'm also incredibly proud of the impact Xcelerate with Edgbaston is having. Since launching in 2024, it has supported thousands of people through employment, education, skills and community programmes.

How else is Compass helping young people into employment?

Many young people face barriers that aren't always visible. They may lack work experience, professional networks or even awareness of the careers that exist. That's why we work closely with schools, colleges, community organisations, government departments and employers to create opportunities that help break down those barriers and create social mobility.

We're supporting young people through work experience, employability programmes, apprenticeships, graduate opportunities and a range of initiatives designed to help them take their next step.

Whether someone engages with us through Classroom to Careers, Xcelerate with Edgbaston, our Junior Chef Academies, Virtual Work Experience Platform or an apprenticeship programme, our aim is always the same: to help them see what's possible and give them the confidence and support to achieve it.

Ultimately, if we can help a young person believe in themselves, develop the skills they need and build a career they can be proud of, then that's a success worth celebrating.

What plans do you have for the future?

We're committed to creating opportunities that start in the classroom and lead to meaningful careers and lifelong learning. Apprenticeships remain one of the most effective ways of achieving that.

As we celebrate Hospitality Apprenticeships Week, I'd like to thank all of our apprentices, mentors, managers and learning partners. Their commitment, passion and ambition are helping to shape the future of Compass and the hospitality industry, and I can't wait to see what they achieve next.

Compass offers a wide range of apprenticeship programmes, from Level 2 through to Level 6, all delivered in partnership with specialist external training providers. To find out more about the apprenticeship pathways offered at Compass, click here: Compass Group apprenticeships