Dylan’s launches training academy
RESTAURANT group Dylan’s has announced the launch of its own hospitality training academy.
The Dylan’s Academy will create an apprenticeship training programme for young people who are seeking a career in hospitality, with a guaranteed job at the end.
They also hope it will create a template for other hospitality businesses to use in the future.
The UK hospitality industry currently faces a staff shortage, and Dylan’s says it has suffered from the “perfect storm” of Covid-19 and Brexit. They employ 200 staff across
its restaurants in Menai Bridge, Criccieth, and Llandudno and its kitchens in Llangefni, but have 25 vacancies. The vacancy figure was considerably higher across summer, which severely impacted sales.
Working with schools, Dylan’s aims to demonstrate to parents and headteachers that promoting careers in hospitality is a responsible and worthwhile objective. Dylan’s is also working with local partners in education, to offer a complete package of support throughout the training period.
The Academy leaders have more
than 100 years of collective experience in hospitality and have started welcoming potential cadets with open days in schools and colleges. There are 12 places per year to people aged 16-20: successful applicants will benefit from higher-than minimum wage throughout their training and education as cadets. Successful applicants will complete a two-year full time programme which will lead to a Dylan’s Diploma & NVQ level 3 in Professional Cookery for kitchen staff & for Front of House, BIIAB, Level 2/3 Licensed Hospitality skills & Operations leading
to the City & Guilds Hospitality Supervisory & Leadership qualification.
Upon completion, cadets will receive a guaranteed Dylan’s job at the appropriate level and accompanying rate of pay.
Dylan’s Director David Evans said: “Over the years, some hospitality businesses have taken advantage of young apprentices by placing work before education, with a very small wage. We will turn this on its head and reward our cadets for their contributions and investment.”