28.03.2025

Compass and DWP launch Xcelerate with Edgbaston Hospitality Hub

Compass Group UK & Ireland, the UK’s largest food and services company, has launched the “Xcelerate with Edgbaston Hospitality Hub”, in partnership with Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) Birmingham Central Jobcentre.

Located at the Summer Hill Road Jobcentre in the heart of Birmingham, the Hub has been developed to showcase the opportunities within the hospitality sector to jobseekers in the area. As well as general job vacancies, the Hub provides information on apprentice vacancies, path 2 apprenticeships, sector work-based academies, skills boot camps, work experience and T Level industry placements.

Linking Delivery and Community Partners with employers in the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), the Hub will promote the many benefits of working in hospitality, while demonstrating how the sector supports talent from local communities into jobs including apprenticeships.

In partnership with the charity Movement to Work (MtW), WMCA has developed Youth Path, an initiative specifically designed to inspire and support businesses across the West Midlands in creating meaningful employment pathways. These opportunities will be available through the Hub, including work experience, apprenticeships, and job opportunities for young people aged 16–30 who are currently not in education, employment, or training (NEET).

A DWP colleague will be working with the Compass Social Partner Hub to provide wrap around support for those applying for jobs with Compass across the WMCA. This will help to ensure a seamless journey into the world of work and beyond, providing continued skills development and career progression through structured Career Pathways and apprenticeships.

Jonathan Foot, Director of Skills and Early Careers, Compass Group UK & Ireland said: “We are delighted to be launching this partnership with DWP Birmingham Central Jobcentre. The food and support services sector is a barrierless industry and we are committed to providing opportunities for all and supporting people into work. The Hospitality Hub will offer a range of prospects, regardless of qualifications or experience, along with additional assistance and guidance to help people see what they can achieve and how to get started.

“Xcelerate with Edgbaston was developed to support local people and nurture the next generation of hospitality professionals. This fantastic partnership is a prime example of this ambition, allowing us to showcase the industry and our business, while crucially, supporting the communities in which we work.”

Barbara Bennett, Director General DWP, added: “With thanks to Compass making this a reality, the Hospitality Hub is an excellent initiative which allows us to take on the challenge to get more opportunities for careers in the hospitality sector, and we want to bring on board passionate employers, partners and providers to deliver meaningful courses with genuine opportunities to start a career, develop or progress in hospitality.

“Birmingham is renowned for its vibrant and diverse community. The Hub will allow us to continue support to existing employers that work with DWP and the opportunity to work with new employers. This does not forget the wealth of training providers across the West Midlands that will be included.

“The Hub will serve as a catalyst for supporting residents into training and sustainable employment, playing a crucial role in addressing the broader needs of the hospitality sector. We are delighted to announce that all candidates coming through the Hub for Compass vacancies will be guaranteed an interview. This is a testament to our commitment to working closely with employers and ensuring residents have access to a wide range of job opportunities.”

The social mobility impact of the Hospitality Hub will be measured on an individual basis in collaboration with DWP to help understand how the Hub is helping people into employment.

The Hub aligns with Compass Group UK & Ireland’s dedication to creating opportunities, through its Our Social Promise – a commitment to positively impact one million lives by 2030. As part of this commitment, Compass created Xcelerate with Edgbaston, which opened last year.

Located at the iconic Edgbaston Stadium and operated by Levy UK, the events, sports and entertainment arm of Compass, Xcelerate with Edgbaston supports the training and upskilling of Compass colleagues, the industry and the local community. The aim is to nurture and empower the next generation of hospitality professionals, as well as offering skills and knowledge to the local community.

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