EKC Training plays key role in pioneering programme to get out-of-work adults into hospitality jobs 

East Kent Colleges Group’s training provider, EKC Training, has worked with UKHospitality and the Department for Work and Pensions to help get unemployed people into jobs in hospitality. 

The UKHospitality Skills Passport programme was developed to support out-of-work adults to gain the confidence, knowledge, and skills that they need to help fill the hundreds of thousands of vacancies across the hospitality sector.  

EKC Training is the first provider to deliver the fully accredited programme and has already supported a significant number of people into employment, following a pilot scheme of three cohorts being delivered in the hospitality hotspot of Thanet. 

“This programme transforms people over the course of 20 days,” said Sandra Kelly, who is the Skills Director for UKHospitality. 

“They are building knowledge, they are work ready, they are transitioning into employment, and we can see them gain hope and ambition. 

“It helps individuals to unlock their own potential.” 

The programme revolves around close collaboration with employers to understand both the local skills need, and key recruitment timelines. Over the course of the two-week programme, learners develop a range of skills across customer service, industry knowledge, safety training, and general employment skills.  

Thea Barrett works for Thorley Taverns, and welcomed a number of learners into her pub while they were studying on the programme. 

She said: “the Passport is really important because when the learners come to us, they’ve already got a strong start point that they can jump from straight away. 

“They’ve got the basics down, and they’ve got a lot of practical qualifications that means you can teach them how to make a coffee, or how to chat to customers, or about the menu, rather than worrying about fire safety, or health and safety, because the passport covers it for you.  

“It saves us some really expensive training costs in the long run.” 

For participants, the programme is transformational, and has supported many back into employment, and has made them feel more confident in applying for jobs. 

Rob Waddilove is a graduate of the programme, and since gaining employment with Thorley Taverns, has already taken a step up into a business development role alongside working in his new passion, at the front of house. 

He said: “The Passport is a brilliant foundation. It gives you all the basics, and then the real-world experience to really level up too.” 

The programme is delivered in both EKC Training’s own Training Centres, as well as hospitality venues across Thanet, including EKC Group’s own The Yarrow hotel, and various Thorley Taverns venues. 

“It’s been amazing to see some of the outcomes from this programme,” said Katie Simcevic, who is Programme Director for Employability at EKC Training.  

“Thanks to the Passport, and the involvement of going out into the community, into hospitality venues, and onto work placements, so many learners have secured employment. 

“It’s amazing to see, you get to see them succeed, and you get to see that adult learning pays.” 

The programme’s impacts don’t just extend to the graduates, but to businesses that get involved too, as Sandra explains: “It allows you to hire with confidence. 

“You can trust in a programme that’s been created for the industry, by the industry, and you’re going to get a candidate that’s been in a kitchen, in a service setting, and knows they like the environment. 

“This is a perfect way for employers in our industry to meet people who live in your communities, who want to work, who can fill your vacancies, and stay with you.” 

EKC Training is now looking for the next group of hospitality employers who are ready to give back to their community, and hire staff, safe in the knowledge that they’ve got the skills you need for your business. 

“You can get involved with this programme, get to know the participants, talk about your business, and bring the industry to life,” Sandra added. 

“If there’s people there that are a good cultural fit for your business, you’ve got four days’ work experience to see, then you can give them an interview, give them feedback, and if they’re the right fit, then perfect. 

“If they’re not, you would have been a special part of their journey to the right employment.” 

Learn more about Adult Learning at EKC Group, or contact our friendly team today to learn how your business can get involved in shaping the future of hospitality.