Former Spirit boss Mike Tye joins Restaurant Group as non-executive director: The Restaurant Group has hired former Spirit Pub Company chief executive Mike Tye as a non-executive director and chairman of its remuneration committee. He joins the Board on 4 April 2016. Tye led Spirit’s successful establishment as a public company following the demerger from Punch Taverns. He was a director of Punch Taverns until August 2011. Prior to that he held a variety of MD roles in Whitbread, including MD of David Lloyd Leisure, Premier Inn and Costa Coffee. In line with best practice, Tony Hughes, senior independent director and chairman of the remuneration committee since 2008, will be retiring from the Board following the company’s AGM on 12 May 2016. The company stated: “The Board wishes to thank Tony for his contribution during his tenure. Simon Cloke, non-executive director, will be appointed senior independent director. A process is underway to recruit one further non-executive director, to chair the audit committee.”

Starbucks expands apprenticeship programme: Starbucks is expanding its apprenticeship programme to include those with higher degrees by offering apprenticeships in management and leadership roles. The move will create 1,000 additional apprenticeships. Last year, over 6,000 applications were received for 250 openings. For the first time, in addition to levels two and three (which allow entry to advanced and higher apprenticeships respectively), level 4, 5 and 6 apprenticeships will be made available in a range of disciplines, including digital, legal and management. Levels 5 and 6 form the basis of a foundation or full degree. In addition to adding apprenticeships at the retail level, Starbucks will offer a range of professional services apprenticeships in its UK Support Centre. “We are really proud of our apprentices”, said Carol Muldoon, vice president of Partner Resources for Starbucks Europe, Middle East and Africa region. “They have really inspired many partners and leaders in our business and we have grown our offer because of them. With this expansion, we want to be an employer of choice for apprenticeships and youth opportunity.” The national goal is to create three million more apprenticeships by 2020. At Starbucks UK, 80% of the young people who start apprenticeships complete their full diploma and remain in the business, and 11% of the company’s baristas and supervisors are undertaking an apprenticeship. “Starbucks is offering young people opportunities to learn retail and business skills while working and earning,” said Nick Boles, Minister of State. “Apprenticeships open doors for young people around the country.”

Enterprise launches apprenticeship scheme: Enterprise Inns has announced a new apprenticeship scheme for staff in its Bermondsey Pub Company managed division. Working with hospitality training specialist Charnwood Training Group, Enterprise has launched the Bermondsey Apprenticeship in Front of House Hospitality and the Bermondsey Apprenticeship in Kitchen and Food Service. The new courses will be available to all pub colleagues across the 16-strong Bermondsey estate, which will continue to grow. Bermondsey operations director Karen Baskett said: “We’re delighted and excited to be able to offer these apprenticeships, which will help people to develop their knowledge and skills in what is a fast-growing, fast-moving company. There’s a lot of passion behind this initiative, and we want to encourage as many people as possible to get involved in apprenticeships. We’ve certainly had a very positive reaction to the fact that they’re being offered. Apprenticeships are a very attractive proposition for people of all ages, and are an excellent recruitment tool.” Apprenticeships are also receiving a renewed focus across the Enterprise leased and tenanted estate. The six courses available are currently being undertaken by more than 150 apprentices – the highest number ever for Enterprise. Enterprise sales and marketing director James Armitage said: “Pubs provide so many employment opportunities to young people, and we recognise the importance of making sure the best people are encouraged to stay in the industry and make pubs their career choice. We frequently have fantastic feedback from our leased and tenanted publicans, who say their apprentices are happier in their work, more committed, and stay with the business for longer, as they feel highly valued.” National Apprenticeship Week 2016 runs from 14-18 March. Coordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service, it is designed to celebrate apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.