A survey from hospitality sector skills council People 1st has found that employers view the use of apprentices as more productive than hiring new staff.

The sector skills council for hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism discovered that apprentices were a catalyst for galvanising their fellow workers into raising their game and stepping up their performance.

When asked what value apprentices added to their business, employers were bowled over by their willingness to learn (90%) and enthusiasm (63%), as well as their flexibility and responsiveness to change (47%).

However, despite the interest from employers, almost half (46%) are stumped by the government’s apprenticeship scheme process (Apprentice Grant for Employers) and how to go about taking on an apprentice.