This episode focuses on recruitment, perception and the future of hospitality, through the lens of apprenticeships and long-term career pathways.

Timothy R Andrews and Sarah Kettel are joined by Adele Oxberry, Founder and CEO of Umbrella Training, who shares her journey from housekeeping to running a specialist hospitality training business.

Adele reflects on growing up in hospitality, starting work at 14, and progressing through housekeeping, front office and leadership roles before moving into education and training. She explains how apprenticeships have evolved, why their reputation still lags behind reality, and how they can directly address labour shortages, skills gaps and retention issues across the sector.

The conversation explores perception problems in hospitality, the impact of the pandemic on young people’s confidence and communication, and why schools, employers and government all have a role to play in reshaping how hospitality careers are viewed. Adele also breaks down how apprenticeship funding works, including levy accounts, shared funding and why so much available training budget still goes unused.

This is a practical and optimistic episode about rebuilding confidence, investing in people, and using apprenticeships as a genuine route into sustainable hospitality careers.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Adele Oxberry’s journey from housekeeping to CEO
• Why hospitality struggles with perception and recruitment
• The impact of the pandemic on young people entering work
• Gen Z career expectations and fast-track progression
• How apprenticeships support recruitment and retention
• Apprenticeship levy funding and unspent training budgets
• How large employers can support SMEs through levy sharing
• Apprenticeships from Level 2 to Level 7 in hospitality
• Why hospitality needs a stronger voice at government level
• Changing the narrative around hospitality careers

Hosts:

• Timothy R Andrews
• Sarah Kettel

Guest:

• Adele Oxberry – Founder & CEO, Umbrella Training

Takeaways

1. Hospitality’s biggest challenge is perception
2. Young people don’t see the career progression that already exists.
3. Apprenticeships directly improve retention and morale
4. Employers report higher engagement and stronger loyalty.
5. Funding is available but widely misunderstood
6. Large amounts of levy funding sit unused every year.
7. Apprenticeships are not just for entry-level roles
8. Hospitality standards now run up to Level 7.
9. The pandemic has delayed confidence, not ambition
10. Young people need support, structure and reassurance.
11. Hospitality needs a seat at the table
12. The sector requires stronger representation at government level.

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Editing & Visuals by: Timothy R Andrews

Theme Tune: "Mandarin & Chocolate" by Doriane Woo (https://dorianewoo.bandcamp.com/)

Feat voiceover artist, Lara Rathod (https://www.instagram.com/laralondonspeaks)

Sound Effects by: Epidemic Sound

"Jacob Allen Evil Laugh" by Deven Garber, Freesound.org