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Despite living in the UK for several years, Tatiana struggled with English. She had attempted to learn through online courses and language apps, but her lack of confidence and fluency made everyday tasks—like calling the GP—overwhelming. When she joined the Restart Scheme in October 2024, she needed a translator to communicate with her Jobs22 employment coach, Jessica, highlighting just how much of a barrier language was to her finding a job.

The right support at the right time

Determined to help Tatiana gain independence, Jessica guided her through job applications. She secured two interviews but was unsuccessful due to her English proficiency and lack of personal transport. Realising that language was the key challenge, Jessica referred her to Learn Plus Us for online ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes, which was delivered as part of the Restart Scheme.

Tatiana initially felt discouraged. She compared herself to other learners and believed she was falling behind. However, with encouragement from her tutor, Laura, and additional one-to-one support, she started building her confidence. Laura insisted that Tatiana avoid relying on Romanian translations, helping her think directly in English. Tatiana embraced the challenge, attending nearly all her lessons, completing homework, and acting on feedback.

After just 10 weeks, Tatiana has made excellent progress. She passed her Entry 2 ESOL exams with excellent grades and, more importantly, gained the confidence to speak in English independently. She no longer needed a translator for her appointments and even started calling her GP on her own—a major personal achievement.

Jessica, her employment coach, was amazed at the change: “I was over the moon at my last appointment with her. We completed the whole session without a translator, and we even shared jokes! It was amazing to see her come this far.”

Tatiana has now moved on to Entry 3 ESOL and is motivated to continue improving her English. She is confident that once she completes this level, she will find a part-time job suited to her health needs.

Laura, Tatiana’s ESOL tutor, with Learn Plus Us also reflected on Tatiana’s progress: “We feel lucky to witness the journeys of learners like Tatiana. Every participant comes with a unique background and challenges, which can shape their motivation and learning style. It’s not always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Helping Tatiana find ways that worked for her and boosted her confidence beyond just learning English has been a joy.”

Reflecting on her journey, Tatiana shared: “I never thought I would be able to speak English at 60! But now, I can call my GP, have conversations, and feel independent. It’s a great feeling.”

Tatiana’s story is proof that it’s never too late to learn. With hard work, and with the support of the Restart Scheme, and perseverance, she is opening doors to new opportunities and a brighter future.

Myth 1: Hospitality jobs are low skilled and Temporary

One of the biggest misconceptions is that hospitality jobs are low-skill and temporary. While you may not need to have many skills when you start your role, you will quickly build a skill set that will benefit your career and your life outside of work.

While some hospitality jobs are seasonal and seen by some as a step on the road to a ‘real job’, the reality is that from management positions to specialised roles in event planning and culinary arts, hospitality is a field where you can grow and build a lifelong career.

Myth 2: Hospitality jobs don’t pay well.

The average salary for hospitality jobs in the UK is £25k. Just like other industries, as you gain experience and take on more responsibilities, your earning potential increases. Many hospitality positions also come with benefits such as health insurance, performance bonuses, and discount schemes. Additionally, tips can boost your income in roles like serving and bartending.

Myth 3: You’ll have to deal with Difficult Customers all day.

While every industry has its share of ‘challenging’ clients, hospitality is also about building positive and lasting relationships with guests. Many people in the industry find great satisfaction in creating memorable experiences and meeting new people from all walks of life. Positive guest interactions often outweigh the occasional difficult customer, making the job rewarding and fulfilling.

Myth 4: Hospitality jobs are only for extroverts.

While hospitality is a people-focused industry, introverts can thrive just as much as extroverts. Many roles require attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and creativity—qualities where introverts often excel. Plus, there are plenty of positions behind the scenes, such as administration and logistics, where quieter personalities can shine.

Myth 5: There is no career progression in Hospitality.

Contrary to popular belief, the hospitality industry offers numerous opportunities for advancement. Whether you start as a server, receptionist, or kitchen assistant, there are clear pathways to move up the ladder. With dedication and hard work, you can advance to managerial and executive positions, shaping the future of the industry. Employers often provide training and development programs (like our apprenticeships) to help employees grow and succeed.

Myth 6: The Hours are always Terrible.

Hospitality careers can involve unconventional hours, but it also offers flexibility that suits many lifestyles. For early birds, breakfast shifts are a dream. Night owls can thrive in the evening scene. Plus, the variety of shifts means you’ll never be stuck in the monotony of a nine-to-five routine. Work-life balance is achievable, especially in roles that offer rotational shifts or flexible scheduling.

Hospitality Careers Are A Myth Reality

The hospitality industry is full of potential for those willing to look beyond the negative myths. Whether you’re drawn to the excitement of events, the creativity of culinary arts, or the satisfaction of creating exceptional guest experiences, there’s a role for you. So, if you’re considering a career in hospitality, or looking for a way to support the development of your existing team, dive in and discover a world of opportunities through a Learn Plus Us Apprenticeship.

The Real Living Wage is the only rate calculated according to the costs of living. It provides a voluntary benchmark for employers that wish to ensure their staff earn a wage they can live on, not just the government minimum. Since 2011 the Living Wage movement has delivered a pay rise to over 460,000 people and put £3 billion extra into the pockets of low paid workers.

The published report flows through the aspects of inspection with high levels of positivity, demonstrating strengths and connectivity across the business and the different sectors we operate in. Here are just a few of our favourite comments from the report:

– Apprentices and learners are motivated to learn and achieve.

– Tutors make sure apprentices and learners develop substantial new knowledge by challenging them to go beyond the minimum requirements of the course.

– Tutors have high expectations of learners and apprentices. They plan and teach their subjects consistently well.

– Leaders and managers have created a programme of courses that meets the needs of adult learners and apprentices very well.

– They work effectively with local partners and employers to design courses that support the needs of the community where learners and apprentices live.

– Leaders care about and vale their staff.

We’re delighted that Inspectors were able to identify so many strengths and seeing the narrative about how our team feel about working at LPU has had an additional positive impact on the Executive team and Senior Leadership team. We appreciate what you do and are delighted to hear that you appreciate the measures we’ve implemented, feel positive about your jobs and enjoy working at the LPU.

Another area that we are exceptionally proud of is our wrap-around learner support services. We’ve worked hard to provide a range of options to meet the diverse needs of individuals. We identified some links between safeguarding, learning support and those with ESOL barriers, which has enabled us to respond at pace. Ofsted said:

“Staff support learners and apprentices well, including those who need extra help to achieve. Learners and apprentices have frequent opportunities to discuss with their tutors any concerns that may impact on their ability to achieve their qualification. This includes providing additional learning support, referring individuals for external specialist support, or providing helpful strategies to in the workplace use for those who may experience anxiety.”

We want to thank all those involved in the support services including our amazing ESOL, Safeguarding and Learning Support teams, our Mental Health First Aiders and our sister company Healthfind. Additionally the Learner Engagement team and our Tutors deserve a mention, because they are on the front line and are very often the people making the referrals. 

LPU would like to thank all the apprentices, learners and employers who were involved with our Ofsted inspection. We know that this is added pressure for you all, and in some cases takes additional time out of an already busy schedule; we are very grateful for your support during the inspection, it really did make a difference.

While we celebrate this remarkable achievement, we acknowledge that our journey towards apprenticeship excellence is ongoing. We remain steadfast in our commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and meeting the evolving needs of apprentices and employers alike. With the unwavering support of our team, apprentices, and partners, we are confident that Learn Plus Us will continue to be a leading provider of quality apprenticeship training in the years to come.

Debbie topped the ballot to fill two board places reserved for small independent training providers alongside Nick Smith, chief executive of TTE Training Limited. Both will begin their roles with immediate effect.

Following the announcement, Debbie said:

“I’m really pleased to be returning to the AELP Board following a two-year gap. In that time, I’ve been lucky enough to join LPU on a full-time basis, having previously been the self-employed Chairperson. I think returning to lead a provider following 5 years of consultancy in the sector gives me a different perspective and can’t wait to get started.  I’m very grateful to all those who voted for me and want to assure them that I won’t let them down. I’m looking forward to my induction.”

Read the full article here: https://feweek.co.uk/itps-choose-small-provider-reps-on-aelp-board/