Opportunities in hospitality sector to take centre stage at special Leeds Town Hall event

An event showcasing the wide range of opportunities available in the city and wider region’s hospitality sector is scheduled for next month.

As part of a Jobcentre Plus three-week Hospitality Works campaign, the ‘Big Bash’ will be held on 20 February 2019 at Leeds Town Hall from 10am to 3pm.

Leeds City Council and Jocentre Plus are working in partnership with a range of other partners including Springboard, UK Hospitality and the British Beer and Pub Association. In total there will be up to 50 exhibitors from the hospitality industry representing different areas including employers, skills providers and specialist support.

On the day various workshops, advice, and opportunities will be on offer including:

• Information sessions on specific areas of work/roles within the hospitality industry.
• A designated break out space for support around how to tackle and approach interviews.
• Skills sessions to help you secure work in the industry and improve your C.V.Cookery and ‘mocktail’ demonstrations to help showcase retail and food and drink job opportunities available.
• Expert advice on topics such as nutrition, health and well-being and debt.
• A quiet zone to take time out for 1-1 advice, interviews and workshops.

Employment advisers and representatives of specialist groups will also be there to provide tailored support for those with a disability or health condition who are interested in finding a career in hospitality. Opening up opportunities to everyone who has experienced a particular challenge in securing full-time employment, is a key aim of the event.

To book your free tickets for the event, which are required for entry, please see: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hospitality-works-big-bash-event-tickets-54523374882

Any business or organisation wishing to have a stand at the event, are asked to contact: Susan.Ryder@eds.dwp.gsi.gov.uk or Hilary.White1@dwp.gsi.gov.uk

Following the launch, a series of smaller events will be held in selected communities up to March 6. Details of individual events and booking details can be found in the Notes to editors section.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for learning, skills and employment said:

‘’The hospitality sector in Leeds has a range of job opportunities for people to gain valuable transferable skills, leading to meaningful careers in the industry. We are delighted therefore to be working closely with partners to provide this fantastic event at Leeds Town Hall on February 20, which will see representatives from across the hospitality sector be on hand to showcase the wide range of jobs that are available. This sits aside a variety of tailored workshops and events hosted by experts in the field, which will provide advice and help to support people wishing to enter and secure a job in the hospitality sector.”

Ali France, Jobcentre Plus Employer & Partnership leader for Leeds, said:

“This is a fantastic example of partners across Leeds coming together to deliver an event for the people we jointly serve and support.

“It showcases the kind of opportunities which are available in the hospitality sector, and offers guidance and support to provide people with the best possible chance of securing work.

“Over 60,000 people across the region have entered work in the last year, and its events such as this that will see this number increase.”

Notes to editors:

Individual events being held across the city following the Big Bash launch are detailed below.

For media enquiries, please contact;

Colin Dickinson, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 39 51578

Email: colin.dickinson@leeds.gov.uk