Building stronger pathways into hospitality careers

Jenna Ratcliffe, Head of Service Sectors and Early Years at Weston College has met with chef lecturers to put together insights for anyone passionate about hospitality. From entry-level roles to long-term career paths, read on to see how you can help shape the next generation of talent in our industry.

The hospitality sector thrives on talent, yet too often the journey from learner to professional is fragmented. To create stronger and more effective pathways into hospitality careers, we need to understand both sides of the equation: what individuals need to start and succeed, and what businesses are seeking in new recruits.

Understanding what learners need

For many entering the industry through college provision, several key elements are crucial:

• Clear progression routes: learners need transparent pathways from entry-level roles to long-term careers.

• Mentoring and role models: access to industry mentors who can share real-life experiences and guidance.

• Practical training: hands-on experience that builds confidence and competence simultaneously.

• Networking opportunities: direct contact with employers to build relationships and understand workplace expectations.

• Confidence-building support: encouragement to see hospitality as a respected, aspirational career rather than a fallback option.

It’s important to challenge the stigma sometimes attached to college routes. Colleges are not second-choice pathways; they offer industry-aligned training, professional standards, and real workplace experience. Showcasing success stories, alumni progression, and employer endorsements can shift perceptions and elevate the status of this route.

Understanding what businesses need

Employers in hospitality are seeking:

• Work-ready candidates: those with strong employability skills like punctuality, communication, and teamwork.

• Enthusiasm and resilience: individuals with a customer-focused attitude and a drive to succeed.

• Prepared talent: learners who understand industry expectations before entering employment.

• Long-term potential: employees who are committed to growth within the sector, not just short-term labour.

Closing the gap between learners and employers means businesses need to actively help develop and support future talent.

Strengthening networking and job opportunities

Increasing meaningful engagement between colleges and employers is essential. This could include:

• Employers being more visible and proactive in college settings.

• Industry representatives promoting work experience opportunities and “selling” the sector.

• Structured work experience placements that connect directly to employment outcomes.

• Employer-led workshops, guest talks, and live briefs.

• Speed-networking events and on-campus recruitment days.

When employers invest time in colleges, learners gain insight, motivation and real opportunities. Businesses, in turn, access emerging talent familiar with their brand and expectations.

A shared responsibility

Creating better pathways into hospitality is a collaborative effort. Colleges must continue delivering high-quality, industry-relevant training, while employers must actively engage with learners and offer tangible opportunities. Together, this approach:

• Raises aspirations.

• Reduces stigma.

• Improves employability.

• Strengthens workforce pipelines.

• Positions hospitality as a professional, rewarding, and long-term career choice.

Case study: Cadbury House 

The partnership between Cadbury House and Weston College highlights the power of collaboration between education and industry. By offering work experience placements, mentoring commis chef apprentices, attending careers events, and hosting workplace visits and masterclasses, Cadbury House gives Hospitality and Catering learners valuable insight into professional kitchens and the realities of the industry. 

Students gain practical knowledge on areas such as menu planning, costing, and workplace standards, while experiencing the venue’s hospitality first-hand. In return, Cadbury House connects with emerging talent and helps shape the skills of the future workforce – creating inspiring learner journeys and stronger pathways into hospitality careers.

By aligning mentoring, training, networking and employment opportunities, we can build a system where learners confidently enter hospitality and businesses confidently invest in their future talent.

Find out more about courses at Weston College on the college website.

Plus, discover more tips on the Bristol Good Food 2030 website for finding and recruiting hospitality apprentices from another Bristol Good Food 2030 Partnership member, City of Bristol College.