As demand for hospitality services surges, the sector grapples with a shortage of qualified talent. In this article, we explore the intricacies of the skills gap in the hospitality industry, shedding light on the lack of hospitality industry training courses and potential remedies. 

 

Are There Skills Shortages in the Hospitality Industry? 

This State of Hospitality 2022 report, indicates a potential 13-14 million talent gap over the next five years. Skill shortages and gaps are identified as the primary culprits, exacerbated by a high turnover of skilled staff.

 

What Skills Are Important in the Hospitality Industry? 

Hospitality offers a wide array of roles and responsibilities, but there are several key skills which will stand you in good stead for almost every service role: 

  • Communication 
  • Organisation 
  • Multi-tasking 
  • Initiative 
  • Attention to detail 

Each of these skills is vital if you’re looking for hospitality training to develop a career in any of the following areas of the industry:  

 

Hosting 

  • Host/Hostess 
  • Guest Services Coordinator 
  • Reservation Specialist 
  • Customer Experience Manager 
  • Front Desk Supervisor 
  • Events Coordinator 
  • Concierge 
  • Receptionist 
  • Guest Relations Officer 
  • Dining Reservations Manager 

Responsibilities include ensuring a positive customer experience, managing reservations, and addressing customer inquiries.  

 

Waiting 

  • Server 
  • Waiter/Waitress 
  • Food Server 
  • Waitstaff 
  • Dining Attendant 
  • Beverage Server 
  • Cocktail Server 
  • Banquet Server 
  • Barista 
  • Catering Server 

Key tasks involve taking orders, serving food and beverages, and ensuring customer satisfaction throughout their dining experience.  

 

Housekeeping 

  • Housekeeper 
  • Room Attendant 
  • Cleaning Staff 
  • Housekeeping Supervisor 
  • Maid 
  • Janitor 
  • Environmental Services Technician 
  • Turndown Attendant 
  • Laundry Attendant 
  • Executive Housekeeper 

These roles encompass maintaining cleanliness and order in accommodations, requiring attention to detail and organisational skills.  

 

Food Preparation 

  • Chef 
  • Sous Chef 
  • Line Cook 
  • Prep Cook 
  • Kitchen Manager 
  • Culinary Specialist 
  • Pastry Chef 
  • Grill Cook 
  • Food Production Worker 
  • Commis Chef 

Involves tasks such as meal planning, ingredient preparation, and execution of cooking techniques.  

 

What Are the Biggest Challenges Facing the Hospitality Industry? 

One of the biggest challenges in the hospitality industry is the acute staff shortage and retention crisis, with a staggering 83% increase in advertised vacancies in the UK. This scarcity not only compromises service quality but also forces businesses to make operational adjustments, impacting overall customer satisfaction and daily functioning. 

Simultaneously, the industry grapples with the profound effects of the cost of living crisis. The surge in consumer prices curtails spending, while hospitality businesses face a daunting 55.2% increase in operating costs. This dual impact requires a delicate balancing act to ensure economic viability for both patrons and establishments. 

Finally, the rapid increase in hospitality tech adoption introduces a potential disruption, where businesses failing to adapt risk falling behind in meeting evolving consumer expectations. Integrating technology effectively while preserving traditional service values is the key challenge for businesses navigating this transformative landscape. 

 

How Can Immersive Learning Help Close the Skills Gap? 

Amidst these challenges, innovative solutions are emerging. Metaverse Learning, in partnership with Umbrella Training, has introduced an industry-first virtual chef training program aimed at providing level 2 Commis Chef qualifications. 

For Gen Z and Gen A entry-level commis chefs, the program immerses learners in scenarios like kitchen environment introduction and spatchcock chicken preparation. This virtual training offers a comfortable, flexible, and engaging learning environment. 

Research shows that Gen Z, spending eight or more hours online daily, gravitates towards immersive learning methods. VR training has been shown to increase confidence in applied skills after learning by 275%, a significant improvement over traditional methods. 

Adele Oxberry, CEO of Umbrella Training, emphasises the importance of adapting to the new generation of learners. She notes, “For us as educators, it is no longer exciting and different to give them videos, 3D models, and explorable VR content; it is expected.” 

The skills gap in the hospitality industry poses a formidable challenge, but it also presents an opportunity for innovation. By embracing immersive learning methods like Metaverse Learning’s Commis Chef training, the industry can bridge the gap and attract a new generation of digitally-focused, flexible learners. 

As the sector evolves, prioritising education, skills development, and adapting to the changing preferences of the workforce will be key in ensuring a thriving future for the hospitality industry. 

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