Through the MCAA, Marriott will train 16 young apprentices to NVQ level 2 on the 18 month programme, aiming to increase the number to 30 the following year.  The programme has been created in tandem with the training provider Babcock to ensure that the apprentices receive the most up-to-date and relevant training to help them develop the skills they will need to progress in their careers. 

All of the apprentices that successfully complete the programme will be awarded a guaranteed position as a commis chef in a Marriott hotel in the UK.

Bridgett Price, chief human resources officer for Marriott International in Europe, said: “With the youth unemployment figure in the UK at nearly 1 million, we recognise the need to open up opportunities to people and ensure they have the training and support they need to help them excel in their careers.

“With exciting development and growth opportunities within our hotels in Europe comes the need for skilled people to take the hospitality industry forward.  The big drive for us is making young people aware of the opportunities we can offer and showing them that this is an exciting industry with real career progression.”

In addition to the MCAA, Marriott has launched a pilot Engineer apprenticeship programme in London, which recruited three young people to learn the ropes, and is currently working to take the success of its Government Youth Contracts in Scotland nationwide.

As well as apprenticeship opportunities, Marriott International works with The Prince’s Trust and SOS Children’s Villages to help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds reach their full potential by providing life skills and vocational opportunities.