Apprenticeships on the menu for Compass

Jigsaw Training has successfully renewed a contract to provide a comprehensive apprenticeship programme with leading food and support services provider Compass Group UK & Ireland for hundreds of colleagues across its business.

The partnership has created an opportunity for more than 1,000 Compass colleagues to receive the training needed to complete an Intermediate or Advanced Apprenticeship in areas including customer service, retail, cleaning, food and beverage service, support services in healthcare and business administration over the next two years.

Jigsaw Training’s services will include identification of suitable employees, competency assessment, delivery of training, reviews, ongoing support and assessment and verification of the qualifications. All of this complies with NOCN and City & Guilds’ standards as well as meeting Ofsted requirements in line with the Common Inspection Framework.

Sandra Warren-Smith, Head of Education at, Compass Group UK & Ireland, said: “This agreement demonstrates the importance and commitment we place on providing development and qualification opportunities to our colleagues.

“Our partnership with Jigsaw helps us to ensure we consistently deliver superior service in the most efficient way across our business at every level, in every location.

“Jigsaw has demonstrated the flexibility and expertise we need to ensure that many of our colleagues can receive training during unusual hours because of the nature of their job, whether they are part of a cleaning team or working to deliver food services.”

James Blackhurst, managing director at Jigsaw Training, said: “This programme is designed specifically around the business, the people and their needs.

“We will ensure they all receive relevant training and support in the way they can take most benefit out of it whether it is on-the-job, theory or remote; or a combination of activities. “This is a major investment by Compass and it’s refreshing to see such a commitment to apprenticeships as a way of tailoring training to help and support the young people they need for the future.”