This episode explores why hospitality continues to lose people, skills and funding — and what can actually be done about it. Timothy R Andrews is joined by Vicky Glover, Founder of Appetite 4 Apprenticeships, for a clear, practical conversation about apprenticeships, retention and the realities facing hospitality employers.

Vicky explains how the apprenticeship levy works, why billions of pounds go unused every year, and how large organisations can legally gift funding to SMEs that desperately need training support. The discussion covers why 43% of hospitality workers leave within their first three months, how poor onboarding damages the industry’s reputation, and why apprenticeships are often misunderstood or badly implemented.

The episode also looks at social mobility, diversity and long-term career progression — challenging the idea that apprenticeships are only for entry-level roles. From sole traders to multi-site operators, this conversation breaks down how apprenticeships can be used to retain people, reduce costs, and build stronger teams when budgets are under pressure.

This is a practical episode for owners, operators and leaders who want their people to stay — but aren’t sure where to start.

In this episode, we discuss:

1. Why £3.3bn in apprenticeship funding goes back to government unused
2. How the apprenticeship levy actually works
3. Why 43% of hospitality workers leave within three months
4. Apprenticeships as a retention and engagement tool
5. Gifting levy funding from large businesses to SMEs
6. Choosing the right training provider for your operation
7. Apprenticeships for existing staff, not just new starters
8. Cost savings, National Insurance relief and funding benefits
9. Social mobility and widening access to hospitality careers
10. Why onboarding is as important as guest experience

Takeaways:

1. Hospitality is losing people early — and fast
2. 43% of workers leave within three months, often due to poor onboarding and lack of development.
3. Billions in training funding go unused
4. Apprenticeship levy money expires if it isn’t spent — and most businesses don’t realise it.
5. Apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers
6. They work for supervisors, managers and existing team members at every level.
7. SMEs can access levy funding they don’t pay into
8. Large organisations can gift unused levy to smaller operators.

This remastered bonus episode revisits a powerful conversation first recorded in 2020, where a walk up a mountain becomes a turning point for life and career.

Hosts Timothy R Andrews and Sarah Kettel are joined by events professional and author Paul Cook, who shares the story of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro — and how the experience fundamentally changes how he sees work, purpose and success.

What begins as a casual decision made in a pub quickly becomes a physically demanding and emotionally revealing journey. As Paul climbs higher, everyday noise falls away. Material concerns lose their importance. Trust, humility and teamwork come to the forefront — particularly through the guidance and care of the local crew and porters who make the climb possible.

Through exhaustion, fear and vulnerability on summit night, Paul reaches a moment of clarity that stays with him long after he comes back down the mountain. The episode explores career change, respect for unseen roles, and the courage it takes to walk away from work that no longer feels right.

This is a reflective, human story about slowing down, listening properly, and realising when it’s time to choose a different path.

In this episode, we explore:

1. Why Paul agrees to climb Mount Kilimanjaro without expecting it to change anything
2. Preparing physically and mentally for a climb of this scale
3. Trusting experts when you’re out of your depth
4. The role of guides and porters — and respect for invisible labour
5. Summit night, altitude sickness and mental shutdown
6. Reaching the top and experiencing clarity rather than celebration
7. Returning home with a changed perspective on work and life
8. Making the decision to leave a career that no longer fits

Hosts:

1. Timothy R Andrews
2. Sarah Kettel

Guest:

1. Paul Cook — Events professional and author

1. Sometimes clarity only comes when noise disappears
2. Stepping away from routine creates space to think differently.
3. Trust matters when you don’t know what you’re doing
4. Listening to experts can be the difference between success and failure.
5. Invisible roles carry enormous responsibility
6. The people behind the scenes often make everything possible.
7. Physical challenge exposes emotional truth
8. Fatigue strips away ego, certainty and pretence.

This Christmas special explores what it really takes to get through the festive season while working in hospitality. The Talking Hospitality hosts come together for an open, honest conversation about pressure, resilience, wellbeing and community at one of the most demanding times of the year.

The episode blends humour and reflection with serious discussion around mental health, sobriety, burnout and support. It features contributions from the Hospitality Choir in support of Hospitality Action, alongside practical guidance and resources shared by Kelly’s Cause for anyone struggling during the festive period.

Rather than pretending Christmas is easy, this episode acknowledges the reality of long hours, emotional labour and exhaustion — while offering reassurance, perspective and practical support. It’s a reminder that you’re not weak for finding this time hard, and you’re not alone in getting through it.

Show Notes:

1. The realities of working through Christmas in hospitality
2. Why festive pressure hits hospitality teams differently
3. Mental health, anxiety and recognising when support is needed
4. Sobriety, self-care and celebrating in different ways
5. The Hospitality Choir’s Christmas single supporting Hospitality Action
6. Support available through Kelly’s Cause during the festive period
7. Practical mental health resources available 24/7 over Christmas
8. Leadership, responsibility and looking ahead to the new year

Featured contributors & organisations:

1. The Talking Hospitality hosts
2. Hospitality Choir – Always Open at Christmas
3. Hospitality Action
4. Kelly’s Cause
5. Samaritans, Shout & NHS mental health services

Big Thank You to our sponsors:

Hospitality Jobs UK

Graphic Kitchen

Piss'd Game

Links referenced in this episode:

1. https://thehospitalitychoir.org/
2. kellyscause.com
3. Tech on Toast Podcast
4. We Recover Loudly