Betting industry pledges 5,000 apprenticeships to bolster post-Covid recovery

Betting and gaming firms have announced plans to create 5,000 apprenticeships over the next five years to support the government’s post-Covid recovery.

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) – the standards body which represents betting shops, casinos and the online gaming sector – has announced its Plan For Jobs, setting out how the industry plans to support the government’s own initiative by investing in young people and providing them with the skills required for a career in the sector.

Under the BGC’s plan, its members have pledged to create a total of 5,000 apprenticeships between now and 2025.

Michael Dugher, chief executive of the BGC, said Plan For Jobs showed the regulated industry was ready to go even further to help support the UK economy’s recovery from Covid.

He said: “As the UK emerges from the pandemic, creating more good jobs and training for young people will be more important than ever before.

"The government’s own Plan for Jobs is a fantastic opportunity to create more apprenticeships and traineeships, tackle unemployment, increase productivity plus support British business overseas through Global Britain.

“BGC members alone already support nearly 120,000 jobs in world-leading tech through online gaming and bingo, in hospitality, tourism and entertainment through casinos, and across our hard-pressed high street through modern betting shops. Our industry stands ready to play a key part in the national recovery.

Michael Dugher: 'Our industry stands ready to play a key part in the national recovery'

“Between now and 2025 we pledge to offer a further 5,000 apprenticeships – crucial opportunities for young people to take their first step on the career ladder. Young people have been hardest hit by the pandemic. This pledge is an important step in enabling them to be a part of the wider recovery.

“The future remains highly uncertain and the impact of the pandemic will be felt for a long time to come. Betting and Gaming Council members are ready to play their part by giving young people – our country’s future – the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.”

Regulated firms are also signing up to the government's Kick Start scheme to provide job opportunities for 16 to 24-year-olds on universal credit, as well as rolling out graduate recruitment schemes and offering career paths for young people straight from university.

The pledge from the industry follows a report by Ernst & Young this year which showed BGC members support 119,000 jobs, with more than half aged under 35 and nearly a fifth under the age of 25.

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