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Written by Sam Coulstock, Head of Business Development – Umbrella Training
Recruitment remains one of the most difficult challenges facing the hospitality industry, with skills shortages continuing to affect businesses across the UK, and many operators struggling to find and retain the talent they need to deliver consistent service.
High turnover rates add to this pressure, creating increased costs, operational disruption, and gaps in customer experience. The sector also continues to face difficulty attracting young people and career changers, many of whom overlook hospitality as a long-term career option, despite the great opportunities and rewarding career paths it has to offer.
However, at Umbrella Training, we believe these challenges can be transformed into opportunities. Our tailored recruitment service, Umbrella Employ, has been designed specifically for the hospitality sector to address its unique needs. By going beyond CVs and job descriptions, we help employers match candidates not only on skills but also on cultural fit and long-term potential. This ensures stronger, more sustainable hires who are more likely to grow with the business. We are also opening pathways for individuals who may not have traditionally considered hospitality as a career, or been able to, broadening the talent pool and bringing fresh perspectives into the sector. Hospitality thrives on people: diverse, talented, passionate people.
Recruitment, however, is only the starting point.
To truly tackle the industry’s recruitment challenges, there must be a strong focus on continuous development.
Team members need more than an initial role, they need structured training, clear progression, and the chance to build a meaningful career. Apprenticeships and professional training, such as ours, provide these opportunities, giving people the confidence, skills, and consistency they need to thrive and feel valued. Investing in training pays off for employers too – teams that are well-trained not only deliver higher-quality service and customer experience but take pride in what they do, as well as uphold the culture and standards of the business.
Retention should therefore be included as a key business strategy. Constant rehiring, onboarding, and retraining takes up time and money, whereas loyal, engaged team members bring stability, stronger customer relationships, and improved morale across teams. Umbrella Training’s Skills Bootcamp, for example, is a keyway of how we support retention and career progression. Umbrella Training is launching a new programme for chefs in London at the end of October, designed to upskill their leadership capabilities and is a strong example of how Umbrella Training is committed to helping businesses invest in their team members’ long-term growth. This kind of commitment to employee development also demonstrates that businesses value their people – reducing staff turnover and creating environments where individuals know they can succeed and grow. In an industry built on service, this loyalty and consistency is invaluable.
There are commercial rewards too.
Team members who are supported through structured recruitment, training, and progression are more productive, efficient, and motivated.
This stability strengthens operational performance and reduces disruption, directly contributing to improved profitability and a healthier bottom line. A well-invested workforce is not only good for people, but also for business.
And beyond day-to-day operation and commercial viability, Umbrella Training believes in doing business for good. A diverse workforce can create opportunities for those the industry doesn’t always reach and will benefit the industry itself with a broader representation working within it. Umbrella Trainings outreach work includes efforts to attract, train and retain local talent, which not only strengthens businesses but also supports social mobility and creates opportunities within the communities they serve.
Looking forward
Employers who engage with programmes such as Umbrella Employ, and Umbrella Training Skills Boot Camps, will be best positioned to thrive in an increasingly competitive sector. By fostering a culture of development and progression, hospitality can become a more attractive career choice for new entrants as well as those considering a change of career. If we approach recruitment, training, and retention holistically rather than as separate challenges, the industry can secure a more sustainable future, creating long-standing, rewarding careers as well as contributing positively to the UK economy.
