A recruitment drive is underway at the stadium as it prepares for 2022.
With plans for the new Sporting Quarter hoping to be passed in a matter of months the stadium’s Careers Team has kicked off the first of various career initiatives, focused on helping local young people get on the career ladder.
Yesterday, Ashton Gate’s Careers Team headed to Bedminster Job Centre to interview for eight new roles that have been approved for the Government’s “Kickstart” scheme. The scheme aims at supporting young people between the ages of 16-24 who are currently claiming universal credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.
A meaningful six-month workplace experience is on offer with the potential of the initial contract expanding into a long-term career path at Ashton Gate.
Chairman Martin Griffiths said: “This is very much the beginning of the next phase for Ashton Gate. The stadium has always sat in the heart of our community and when we embarked upon the first phase of the stadium redevelopment, we always tried to hire local first and foremost.
“With the stadium returning to “business as usual” as the region’s premier conference and events venue as well as home to Bristol City and Bears, there are multiple opportunities on offer. When you take account of the plans for the new Sporting Quarter – if this is given the go-ahead in early 2022 – it will certainly generate an additional wave of economic activity and job creation.
“We estimate the proposed development will create around 750 full-time equivalent construction jobs per year, and once complete the Sporting Quarter will create nearly 400 full-time roles. On top of that, the events programme is expected to generate almost 8,000 casual positions each year in BS3.
“As we emerge from the dramatic impact that Covid has had on all of our lives we are focusing an enormous amount of effort on getting our recruitment right and building our workforce sustainably for the exciting future ahead.”
A key part of Ashton Gate’s strategy is working with local partners like City of Bristol College and Weston College to offer insight into the varied career opportunities that a venue like the stadium can offer. Recently City College’s Health and Fitness students were welcomed for a tour of the stadium along with a career advice session. In the New Year their Hospitality and Catering students will be back for a similar session to boost aspirations of a career in the sector.
Complimenting the workshops and Kickstart initiatives are also a number of apprenticeship programs.
Group Head of Human Resources Lydia Dowding commented: “We’ve currently got opportunities for apprenticeships in Customer Service, Kitchen, Grounds, Retail, Hospitality and HR. Apprentices will be enrolled onto an apprenticeship programme and fully supported by their training provider and line manager giving them a good blend of what it is like to work in a company and seeing the actual application of what they are academically learning.
“The apprenticeship program duration varies but will be a minimum of 12 months and will lead to a Diploma. It’s a great opportunity to gain invaluable experience in a dynamic and multi-faceted organisation whilst still developing their educational qualifications.”
Last week the stadium saw one of its busiest weeks since Covid began and re-enforced the recruitment drive for multiple casual positions. Dowding added: “Aside from being a sporting venue there are many different events hosted all year round at the stadium – from conferences and exhibitions to private parties and dinners to concerts.
“These are all supported by casual positions in Hospitality, Kitchen and Housekeeping. Casual workers enable the stadium to have a flexible workforce and we have varying hours available to suit individual needs. We are proud to offer these roles with comprehensive pay exceeding the National Living Wage, regardless of age.”
To find out more about the career opportunities currently available click here for more details.
Alternatively contact talent@ashtongate.co.uk for more information on the programmes available.
