Addressing the Hospitality Skills Gap: Immersive Training and a Shift in Recruitment
The hospitality industry, facing significant labor shortages, is actively exploring innovative recruitment strategies. A recent initiative in Bordeaux, France, highlights a growing trend: immersive, hands-on training programs designed to attract individuals who might not traditionally consider a career in restaurants, hotels, and cafes.
From Diplomas to Potential: A New Approach to Hiring
With 200,000 vacant positions nationally, and a particularly acute demand for servers and cooks in regions like Bordeaux, traditional recruitment methods are proving insufficient. A shift is underway, moving away from strict reliance on qualifications and towards assessing a candidate’s potential – their motivation, teamwork skills, punctuality, and willingness to learn. France Travail, in partnership with UMIH (Union des Métiers de l’Industrie Hôtelière), is spearheading this change with programs like the recent restaurant immersion day.
This approach focuses on practical experience. Instead of lengthy interviews and resume reviews, potential employees are placed directly into a working restaurant environment, alongside experienced apprentices and under the guidance of chefs like Baudoin Klakocer of the UMIH CFA in Bordeaux-Lac. This allows candidates to experience the realities of the job firsthand, and for employers to observe their aptitude and attitude in a realistic setting.
The Power of Immersion: A “Try Before You Buy” Model
The Bordeaux initiative involved nine job seekers experiencing a “baptism by fire” in both the kitchen and front-of-house roles, with eight potential employers observing their performance. The goal is to create a less stressful environment where individuals can discover their passion for hospitality. Audrey Gheyssens, director of the UMIH site, emphasizes the importance of support and mentorship during these initial experiences.
This “try before you buy” model is gaining traction as a way to overcome the perception that hospitality work is demanding or lacks career progression. By providing a supportive and practical introduction, programs like this aim to unlock hidden talent and attract individuals who might otherwise be hesitant to enter the industry.
Employer Perspectives: Prioritizing “Enthusiasm”
Employers participating in the Bordeaux program aren’t solely focused on technical skills. Alexandre Oliva, director of several Bistro Régent locations, prioritizes a candidate’s enthusiasm and motivation. He believes that a positive attitude is 80% of the job, and that employers can provide the necessary training to develop specific skills.
This sentiment is echoed by Matthieu Grégoire, director of L’Escale restaurant, who values potential over polished resumes. He emphasizes the need for the industry to adapt and recognize the value of individuals who demonstrate a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn.
Addressing Concerns and Shifting Perceptions
The industry is also actively addressing concerns about work-life balance and compensation. Franck Chaumes, president of UMIH restauration, notes that wages have been increased twice to attract and retain employees. Initiatives like these aim to challenge negative stereotypes about hospitality careers.
One participant, Victor Gonçalves, discovered a potential passion for mixology through the program, while another, Gabriel Hardy, overcame family reservations about entering the restaurant business. These individual stories illustrate the power of immersive training to unlock potential and change perceptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the biggest challenge facing the hospitality industry today?
A: The most significant challenge is a severe labor shortage, with a large number of unfilled positions across all sectors.
Q: What is UMIH?
A: UMIH (Union des Métiers de l’Industrie Hôtelière) is the leading professional organization for the hospitality sector in France, and also provides training through its CFA (Centre de Formation d’Apprentis).
Q: What is France Travail?
A: France Travail is a French public employment service that helps job seekers find work and provides support to employers.
Q: Is this approach effective?
A: Early indications suggest that immersive training programs are a promising way to attract new talent and address the skills gap in the hospitality industry.
Pro Tip: If you’re considering a career in hospitality, look for opportunities to gain practical experience through internships, apprenticeships, or short-term training programs.
Did you know? The hospitality industry is one of the largest employers globally, offering a wide range of career paths and opportunities for growth.
Share your thoughts! Have you considered a career in hospitality? What are your biggest concerns or questions? Exit a comment below.
