Written question WQ83187

Our plan for recovery, ‘Let’s Shape the Future’, explains how we are working with stakeholders to address skills, recruitment and retention issues in the tourism and hospitality sector across all parts of Wales.

A campaign to encourage more people to work in the tourism and hospitality industry was launched on 10 August in response to nationwide staff shortages. The campaign focuses on highlighting the personal development opportunities, potential career paths and tangible benefits on offer in the sector. Delivered in partnership with Working Wales, the campaign provides tailored, impartial and inclusive advice and a coaching service, supporting access to employment and training to help further careers and improve wellbeing. Additional case studies and information will be added to the campaign over the coming months.

We also have an Employer Incentive Payment of up to £4,000 to encourage employers to recruit an apprentice new to their business. The employer incentive will run to 30 September 2021 and payments and can support up to ten learners per business.

In North Wales, we have also launched a new Job Matching pilot to improve the connections between young people and local jobs, including those in the hospitality and tourism sector.