FM programme supports people into work at hospitals across the country

Compass Group UK & Ireland’s Skills and Early Careers Team have been working alongside its healthcare sector, Medirest and partnering with training provider, GLP Training and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Together they have created a facilities management focused Sector-Based Work Academy programme, which supports people into meaningful work.

The collaboration began with a pilot programme ‘Introduction to Facilities Management and Sustainability’, which has resulted in positive employment outcomes for participants. The academies provide jobseekers who are 16 and over and claiming benefits, the opportunity to apply for jobs and get hands on experience.

The programmes have been delivered across a number of Medirest sites, as part of Compass’ wider cleaning and facilities academy, ASPIRE. The programme aims to create employment opportunities within Compass and provides a clear pathway onto apprenticeships across a range of frontline roles, including domestics, catering and retail.

Delivered as a five‑day programme, the academy combines sector‑specific technical training with employability support and a guaranteed interview with an on‑site hiring manager, enabling participants to transition directly into employment.

Those who secure permanent roles are then supported to progress onto an apprenticeship programme with GLP Training. This phased approach allows individuals time to settle into their role and working environment before continuing their professional development and building long‑term careers within the business.

Across the first two cohorts, over 100 individuals have been supported across 10 hospital sites. Around 65 people have since secured permanent employment within Medirest, and the retention rate is around 70 per cent. Successful candidates have taken on roles such as ward hosts, domestics, chefs and porters.

Sam Kenward, Chief Commercial Officer at GLP Training, said: “We’re thrilled with the exceptionally high volume of positive employment outcomes achieved. The success is a powerful testament to the strength of our partnership and the quality of collaboration with the teams, as well as our valued network of strategic relationship managers and job coaches at the Department of Work and Pensions.”

Jonathan Foot, Director of Skills and Early Careers, Compass Group UK & Ireland commented: “This partnership aligns perfectly with Compass Group UK & Ireland’s Social Promise strategy to positively impact one million lives by 2030. We are committed to offering opportunities for all and this programme has had great success in helping people from local communities into employment.”