Apprenticeships ‘key focus’ as firm plans expansion in Europe
Hilton is to create 1,500 jobs in the UK as part of its European expansion plans, the hotel chain has announced today.
The firm is planning to open 110 new hotels across Europe by 2014, providing 8,500 jobs in the region.
The company said key growth markets were the UK, Russia, Turkey, Germany and Poland, and employment opportunities would include management, HR, finance and legal roles, as well as those in hospitality.
Hilton said that within the UK, the company had already recruited 60 young people onto its chef apprenticeship programme and provided 100 skills-learning placements through the government’s Get Britain Working campaign.
Apprenticeships would continue to be “a key focus” said the company, while talented university leavers could apply for its fast track 18-month graduate programme, which aims to develop future hotel general managers.
Ben Bengougam, Hilton’s vice-president for HR in Europe, said: “With continued growth across our European estate, driving the talent agenda is paramount to our recruitment strategy.
“We are seeking passionate people interested in hospitality careers with a range of experiences, as well as transferable skills from backgrounds outside the hospitality industry. Many of our team members have experience in a broad range of sectors and we always welcome this diversity.”
The company’s European president, Simon Vincent, added: “While unemployment figures in Europe continue to rise, Hilton Worldwide is experiencing an exciting period of growth which will see us continue to offer a wealth of rewarding career options.”
The chain expects to open 25 new hotels in Russia over the next three years, creating up to 3,000 roles in the country. Turkey is set to benefit from 800 additional jobs, 750 are predicted in Poland, while more than 400 new positions are due to be filled in Germany.
Key Hilton hotels due to open in the next 12 months include those in Lincoln and Burton-on-Trent in the UK.