Compass Scotland, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, the UK's largest food and support services firm, has committed its support to the Young Person’s Guarantee. They are joining employers across Scotland in creating the best opportunities for young people.
The Young Person’s Guarantee is a joint commitment to provide opportunities for all 16-24 year olds in Scotland through jobs, apprenticeships, further and higher education, training programmes and volunteering.
Compass Scotland plans to provide opportunities for young people as part of its apprenticeship programme, which creates individual career progression roadmaps covering a Foundation Apprenticeship, Modern Apprenticeship or a Graduate Apprenticeship, dependent on a person’s current situation.
Following its launch as a business in November 2020, Compass Scotland committed to the creation of new Modern Apprenticeship opportunities in its first year, and its pledge to join the Young Person’s Guarantee will help to meet that commitment.
One of its specific initiatives geared to young people is Compass Scotland’s partnership with leading hospitality charity, Springboard, which recently offered a three-week, Gateway to Employment programme to 10 candidates. Compass Scotland is also committed to the government’s Kickstart Scheme, offering 16-24 year olds on Universal Credit a six-month skills development opportunity.
David Hay, MD of Compass Scotland, said, “The Young Person’s Guarantee makes it easier for young people and employers to connect, and helps us to deliver our industry-leading, aspirational career pathways structure with apprenticeships in Culinary, Front of House, Facilities Management, Business Administration, Retail, Customer Service and Management.
“Scotland has a world-renowned hospitality industry and particularly as we recover from the pandemic, these apprenticeships support the future of our industry by nurturing the next generation of talent and improving job retention through providing opportunities to enhance career development.”
Jonathan Foot, Head of Appr,enticeships and Early Careers at Compass Group UK & Ireland, added, “Our apprenticeship programme offers opportunities for all roles across all business sectors within Compass Scotland.
“Through our partnerships with Skills Development Scotland, Polaris, Eastbank Academy, City of Glasgow College, Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Caledonian University and University of Strathclyde, we are well placed to provide career opportunities to young people across the country.”
Minister for Youth Employment and Training Jamie Hepburn, said, “Now more than ever it is important that young people get the support they need to thrive. It is encouraging to see employers in Hospitality and Tourism signing up to the Young Person’s Guarantee, and Compass Scotland are to be commended for the range of opportunities they are creating.
“I would encourage all employers to think about how they can help our young people at this time.”