Page 63 - Regional Employment & Skills Plan

3.6 Leisure, Tourism and Retail
The Leisure, Tourism and Retail sector in Wales encompasses all tourism, hospitality, leisure and retail activities within the region and is of significant importance both in terms of the numbers employed as well as the ability to attract inward investment and expenditure.
By 2020 the hospitality and tourism workforce in Wales is projected to grow by 4,700 people. Taking into account replacement demand this means that 35,900 people will need to be recruited to the sector over the next seven years.56
The latest statistics released by WG state that regionally the Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality sectors employ 41,400 individuals, which is an increase of 29% since 2006.
The Retail sector is the largest private sector employer in the UK; employing approximately 10% of the total workforce. The largest sub-sector in terms of employment is sales and customer service accounting for approximately half of the total jobs.
The sector employs more women than men, this is due in part to the flexibility within the sector with regards to part-time employment and the majority of part-time employment opportunities are acquired by females.
By 2017, research indicates that 9,000 new retail jobs will have been created in Wales since 2007, whilst replacement demand will amount to 57,000 resulting in a total requirement of approximately 66,000 people.
A significant concern for the Retail sector is the ability to acquire the desired talent for the retail managers of the future. Previous schemes (or custom and practice) of promoting from within may not be viable in the future. Young people who previously might have worked their way up in retail are now going on to higher education – this is seen to be a key change for retail recruitment patterns.57
3.6.1 Employer Evidence
Recruitment and Retention
Recruitment to the sector is a challenge, an issue employers feel is attributed mainly to the perception of the sector and how it is portrayed to learners and parents. Learners are unaware of the opportunities available to them and the progression routes that become available through pursuing a career in the sector. Industry experts and employers expressed that the sector is the most diverse industry and this should be promoted through schools in particular.
Suitability of Skills Provision
Apprenticeship frameworks are not fit for purpose and need to be aligned to a multi skilled sector which is able to adapt to industry needs. Currently, the offer is not aspirational and gives the impression that the sector is one that is dull, working only during unsociable hours with no career progression or clear pathway.
The work-readiness of new entrants to the sector (especially school-leavers) is of significant concern. The soft skills of these individuals are severely lacking, as are time keeping skills, respect, a willingness to work and basic interaction. In a sector which is highly dependent on building a rapport quickly and providing a service this is a serious issue. This could be improved through the offer of work experience, and whilst industry offers it the restrictions put in place make it too difficult for schools to take advantage of the opportunity. Raising the profile of the sector and the opportunities for progression is vital for the success of the industry.
56 People 1st: State of the nation 2013: Wales Executive Summary
57 https://www.careerswales.com/en/tools-and-resources/job-trends/retail/
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Regional Employment & Skills Plan South West & Mid Wales Sector Profiles