National Apprenticeship Week 2025

National Apprenticeship Week UK 2025: Investing in the Future of Catering.

It’s National Apprenticeship Week 2025 (10-16 February), a time to celebrate the incredible contributions apprentices make and to highlight the fantastic opportunities apprenticeships offer. Here at Anglia Catering Equipment, we whole heartedly support the next generation of culinary talent, and apprenticeships play a vital role in the commercial catering industry, especially in these times of severe staff shortages impacting our hospitality sector. Having been on the other side of the counter, so to speak, running pubs and restaurants ourselves in a prior life, we understand firsthand the challenges businesses face and the importance of skilled staff.

The History of Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships have a long and rich history in the UK, evolving over centuries from traditional craft training to the modern, skills-focused programs we see today. While the concept of learning a trade through practical experience is age-old, the modern apprenticeship framework is a government-backed scheme designed to provide structured training and qualifications across a wide range of industries, including catering.

Addressing the Skills Shortage

From bustling restaurant kitchens to high-volume catering operations, skilled professionals are the heart of our industry. And right now, our industry is facing a significant challenge: staff shortages. These shortages are severely impacting businesses, hindering growth, and putting pressure on existing staff. Apprenticeships offer a crucial long-term solution, providing a pipeline of trained professionals to fill these gaps. They provide a structured pathway for individuals to gain practical experience, develop essential skills, and build a successful career in catering. They offer a unique blend of on-the-job training and classroom learning, allowing apprentices to earn while they learn and gain recognised qualifications.

The Value of Hands-On Experience

In the fast-paced world of commercial catering, hands-on experience is invaluable. Apprenticeships offer just that, immersing aspiring chefs, kitchen managers, and catering professionals in the real-world environment. They work alongside experienced mentors, learning the tricks of the trade, mastering fundamental techniques, and developing the adaptability needed to thrive in a busy kitchen.

Finding and Supporting Apprentices

So, how do you get involved? For employers looking to find an apprentice, a great starting point is the government’s apprenticeship website (gov.uk/apprenticeships). This site provides a wealth of information on how to advertise apprenticeship vacancies, find training providers, and access funding. Other valuable resources include industry-specific websites and local colleges. For individuals eager to start a career in catering through an apprenticeship, the same government website (gov.uk/employinganapprentice) is an excellent resource for finding available opportunities. Networking with local restaurants and catering businesses can in addition be beneficial, as many employers prefer to hire locally.

Investing in the Future

National Apprenticeship Week is the perfect time to recognise the dedication and hard work of UK apprentices. It’s also crucial for catering businesses to consider the benefits of apprenticeships, especially with current staff shortages. Investing in apprentices is investing in the future of our industry. It ensures skilled professionals for years to come and helps alleviate staffing pressures. The government often provides support for businesses with apprentices, making it even more attractive.

Are you a budding chef or an aspiring catering manager? Explore apprenticeship opportunities in your area. Are you a catering business looking to nurture new talent and address staffing challenges? Consider taking on an apprentice and help shape the future of the industry.