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American inspired food and cocktail chain, Fridays, has launched Leading The Way, its refreshed apprenticeship scheme

·       Developed and delivered with award-winning training providers, Lifetime, the scheme is open to people of all ages and job roles

·       The scheme aims to champion the role of the hospitality sector in equipping people with skills for life and career development

Ahead of National Apprenticeship Week (7-13 February 2022), Fridays, part of newly listed Hostmore plc, is announcing that it is looking to hire apprentices at each of its 85 stores plus each functional area in its support centre within the next two years. It comes as Fridays launches Leading The Way, a refreshed apprenticeship scheme in partnership with Lifetime, the award winning training provider. 

Leading The Way is a comprehensive apprenticeship scheme for people across all ages, jobs roles and levels of seniority. In the wake of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the hospitality industry, the scheme is designed to showcase the value of jobs in the sector. As well as training staff to deliver service in line with Fridays’ famed focus on the guest experience, it ensures that people are equipped with all important skills for life and work in hospitality and beyond.

The apprenticeship programmes available range from level 2 (entry-level) up to level 5 (regional directors) and take a minimum of 12-16 months to complete. The programmes are all ‘earn while you learn’, and can be completed at the participants’ own pace alongside their jobs at Fridays.

All apprentices will have access to an online learning platform that includes a tailored learning plan, e-learning resources and a ‘skills radar’ to track progress against various milestones. At the end of the scheme, participants receive a nationally recognised apprenticeship standard from the Institute of Apprenticeships.

Commenting on the launch of the refreshed scheme, Karen Barnard, People & Culture Director at Fridays, said: “Our fabulous Fridays people are our most important asset. We’ve always been committed to investing in their development but after the rollercoaster of the last two years, we want to reinforce our efforts to meet that commitment. Our new apprenticeship scheme is a key part of that.

“Apprentices can join us from any part of the UK, at any age, in any job role. The culture and heritage at Fridays is built on pride, passion and personality. We want people who want to have fun, engage with others, and learn new skills and progress in a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.

“Our vision is to be an industry leader in offering career opportunities to people across the UK, and our goal of one apprentice in every store and functional area in our support centre in the next two years is the first step towards that vision becoming a reality.”

Robert Richardson, CEO, Institute of Hospitality (IoH), of which Fridays is a corporate member, commented: “Our partnership with Fridays is built on development and progression, and building the next generation of hospitality leaders. Apprenticeship schemes are a critical tool in helping us achieve that, so we’re thrilled to see this exciting organisation working with the IoH and investing so much in training and development – especially at such a critical time for the sector.”

Jack Hogg, Head Chef at Fridays Rushen Lakes in Northamptonshire and early participant in the Level 4 Hospitality Manager programme, said: “I want to progress my career in Fridays and, one day, become a General Manager of my own Fridays store. My advice for people? Just go for it. It will help you develop in work, and I would highly recommend it – it’s never too late to keep on learning.”

People interested in finding out more about Fridays’ apprenticeship scheme can email the Fridays team via landd@tgifridays.co.uk.

Programmes available via Fridays’ Leading The Way apprenticeship scheme

CASE STUDY: Jack Hogg, Level 4 Hospitality Manager

Jack is Head Chef at Fridays Rushden Lakes in Northamptonshire.

“I’m doing this apprenticeship because I want to progress my career in Fridays and the hospitality sector in general while making myself a stronger member of the team.

Already, it has given me a wider understanding of the hospitality sector. Each module that I complete expands my understanding and helps me put into practice what I have learnt. I’m looking forward to the chance to learn from different experts in the hospitality field and learn their past experiences.

After the apprenticeship, I want to become a General Manager of my own Fridays store.

My advice for people? Just go for it. It will help you develop in work, and I would highly recommend it – it’s never too late to keep on learning.”