In this episode, we’re joined by Vince Kelly, manager of the Mayor’s Hospitality Skills Academy at Westminster Kingsway College, to talk about one of the biggest challenges facing the industry today — the skills gap.

With 30 years’ experience as a chef and lecturer, Vince has seen the talent pipeline shrink first-hand. He shares how the Hospitality Skills Passport — a new initiative being developed in collaboration with UKHospitality, Springboard, and DWP — could revolutionise how people enter and progress within the sector.

We explore the importance of standardising entry-level training, why mentorship matters, and how colleges, employers, and government need to work together to professionalise hospitality careers in the UK.

It’s a must-listen for employers, educators, and anyone passionate about shaping the future of hospitality talent.

Takeaways:

• Vince Kelly shares his extensive background as a chef and educator, emphasizing the importance of practical experience in hospitality education.
• There's a significant skills gap in the hospitality industry, with a pressing need for skilled workers to fill various roles.
• The hospitality skills passport is a new initiative aiming to standardize training and ensure that workers are job-ready, focusing on both front and back-of-house skills.
• Vince discusses the importance of mentorship and on-the-job training, stating that 70% of learning should occur in the workplace for effective skill development.
• The podcast highlights the diverse career paths available in hospitality, encouraging listeners to view it as a serious profession rather than just a part-time gig.
• Networking and collaboration among industry professionals are crucial for creating a supportive community that helps address the challenges faced by the hospitality sector.

Links referenced in this episode:

• talkinghospitality.com (https://talkinghospitality.com)
• graphic kitchen (https://graphic kitchen)
• leisure jobs (https://leisure jobs)
• ccc westminster (https://ccc westminster)

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Westminster Kingsway College
• CCC Westminster
• Mayor's Hospitality Skills Academy
• UK Hospitality
• DWP
• Graphic Kitchen
• Leisure Jobs