Hospitality boss to join Learning at Work Week panel

John Angus, managing director at Switch Hospitality Management Ltd, will join a virtual panel of business leaders to explore what learning at work through further education means, during national Learning at Work week.

The digital event will offer practical insights into, and tips on how, local businesses are developing talent pipelines, overcoming skills gaps and upskilling their workforces by working with further education colleges

Learning at Work Week is an annual opportunity to put a spotlight on the importance and benefits of continual learning and development in the workplace.

The theme this year is 'Made for Learning '. It encourages us to focus on our human capacity to learn, how we can be great lifelong learners and the importance of connection and community.

The panel discussion, taking place on Thursday 20 May (8am to 9am), will feature business leaders sharing their hands-on experiences of working with the Chambers Further Education patrons - click here to secure your place.

Henrietta Brealey, CEO of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “As we emerge from the pandemic, many businesses are gearing up for growth simultaneously. We have already heard reports of recruitment challenges and skills gaps in high profile sectors such as hospitality. If (as we hope) the recovery continues to gather pace we are likely to see further bottlenecks over the coming months too.

“This event will is an ideal opportunity to learn from fellow businesses ' practical experiences of upskilling staff and developing talent pipelines by working with the further education sector. ”

Chaired by Solihull Chamber vice-president and founder and CEO of Digital INnov8tors, Mick Westman, a panel of business leaders will discuss their experiences of developing skills and talent through their partnerships with Further Education providers.

John Angus (pictured) will join Stuart Watson, managing director, Leap IT Ltd and Roger Tice, group managing director, Richter for the discussion.

He will be speaking from Switch Hospitality Management 's experience working with University College Birmingham to facilitate learning within their business.

Roger Tice is a former apprentice himself and an advocate for continuous professional and personal development at all levels, from apprenticeships through to Chartered status and PhD level. He will speak to his experience of working with South and City College Birmingham.

And Stuart Watson will be sharing his experience of taking on eight apprentices from Solihull College since 2017, all of whom have been retained post-apprenticeship with full time roles within the business.

One of Leap IT 's apprentices was also recently nominated for a Chamber award.

Lillian Elekan, head of membership at the Chamber, said: “We are very much looking forward to John joining this panel discussion. Learning at work is something the Chambers are extremely passionate about and it will be fantastic to get advice and guidance from the panel on their experiences working with Further Education providers to encourage and enable this within their businesses.

“I highly encourage interested readers to register for this virtual event. ”

To register for this virtual event, click here.