The partnership aims to remove financial barriers across the UK and opens employment opportunities in the hospitality industry for young people in disadvantaged areas. Since 2019 Sodexo has pledged around £2.5 million of the apprenticeship levy it pays.

Large businesses, such as Sodexo, that pay the apprenticeship levy can choose to transfer up to 50% of their levy funds each year to other organisations to pay for their apprenticeship training and assessment.

Bill Buchan, human resources director at Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “It is incumbent on businesses such as our own to play an active role every day in breaking down the barriers to opportunity that exist in our country. As an employer of more than 30,000 people, we have the power to be a driver of social mobility everywhere that we operate.

“Through this partnership with HIT Training we are opening doors to meaningful careers in hospitality for people who may not otherwise have access to training and development opportunities. Together with HIT we are helping build a more inclusive and resilient hospitality workforce by investing in skills and creating pathways into the industry.”

The gifted levy from Sodexo will fund culinary programmes delivered by HIT Training, supporting individuals to gain industry-recognised qualifications, hands-on experience, and the confidence to thrive in professional kitchens.

Mike Worley, managing director at HIT Training, added: “The future of hospitality depends on developing skilled, confident people who can thrive in the sector. By partnering with Sodexo, we can help small and medium-sized businesses access vital training that would otherwise be out of reach.

“This not only gives apprentices the chance to gain recognised qualifications and grow their careers, but also ensures the industry has the talent and expertise it needs to adapt, innovate and succeed long into the future.”