Developing the Young Workforce: annual report 2014-15

Case Study – Employers

Entier Limited is an independent contract catering and support services company based in Aberdeen providing catering, housekeeping, maintenance and hospitality services to the oil and gas, education and business sectors as well as catering for corporate events, private functions and their latest diversification into the retail sector. As a business, they prioritise investment in their people and are accredited to IIP standards and have just achieved the new Investors In Young People accolade at Gold Standard.

Entier’s award-winning Fresh Olives programme, launched in 2010, is a pioneering apprentice award competition aimed at school leavers. Backed by the Scottish Government’s business to education programme, it won the CIS Excellence Award for Innovation in Training in 2014. During the last school session, the competition attracted 165 aspiring hospitality and events managers and cooks from four Aberdeen schools. Danielle Ritchie who graduated from the Fresh Olive Apprenticeship programme last year and went on to become a finalist in the Northern Star business awards 2015 ‘Rising Star’, said this.

“I see schools as a vehicle to encouraging young people into the industry. Showing youngsters how they can do it – especially through apprenticeship programmes – is really important.”

Peter Bruce CEO said that he was proud to have achieved the new IIYP Gold Standard as recognition of the success of their apprenticeship programme.

“This is how we bring fresh and exciting talent into our company and develop them for the future success of the business”

Sylvia Halkerston DYW Programme Board members and DYW National Group member had this to say about Entier’s achievements;

“I believe passionately in investing in young people and Entier do just that. In achieving the new Investors In Young People accolade at Gold Standard they are rightly being recognised for their contribution to developing the young workforce, setting standards high for other organisations. In my role as a DYW Programme Board and DYW National Group member it’s fantastic to see real life examples of young people getting meaningful, work relevant education which will set them up for rewarding careers.”