How Can You Use the Growth & Skills Levy Properly? cover art

How Can You Use the Growth & Skills Levy Properly?

How Can You Use the Growth & Skills Levy Properly?

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 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:Why £3.3bn in apprenticeship funding goes back to government unusedHow the apprenticeship levy actually worksWhy 43% of hospitality workers leave within three monthsApprenticeships as a retention and engagement toolGifting levy funding from large businesses to SMEsChoosing the right training provider for your operationApprenticeships for existing staff, not just new startersCost savings, National Insurance relief and funding benefitsSocial mobility and widening access to hospitality careersWhy onboarding is as important as guest experienceTakeaways:Hospitality is losing people early — and fast43% of workers leave within three months, often due to poor onboarding and lack of development.Billions in training funding go unusedApprenticeship levy money expires if it isn’t spent — and most businesses don’t realise it.Apprenticeships aren’t just for school leaversThey work for supervisors, managers and existing team members at every level.SMEs can access levy funding they don’t pay intoLarge organisations can gift unused levy to smaller operators.Retention improves when people feel invested inApprenticeships create structure, progression and loyalty.Hospitality needs to sell itself betterThe industry offers real careers, but fails the “parent test” far too often.Organisations & Links MentionedUKs Largest Hospitality Survey 2025Appetite 4 ApprenticeshipsHospitality Jobs UKGraphic KitchenOnly A Pavement AwayRio Ferdinand FoundationCrisisMarstonsHMRCPeopleTimothy R AndrewsVicky GloverTracey RashidJoe McDonnellDawn LawrencePaul FellowsNick CloverHosts:Timothy R AndrewsTracey RashidJoe McDonnellGuest:Vicky Glover – Founder, Appetite for Apprenticeshipshospitality apprenticeships, apprenticeship levy hospitality, hospitality staff retention, hospitality training funding, apprenticeships SMEs hospitality, hospitality onboarding, hospitality careers, Talking Hospitality podcast
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