Sodexo UK & Ireland has committed to recruiting 100 foundation-level apprentices as part of the UK government's Youth Guarantee scheme, making it one of the first organisations in its sector to formally pledge support for the programme, which is designed to ensure every young person is either earning or learning.

Hospitality & Catering News reported that the pledge was made to mark Youth Employment Week 2026, running from 6 to 10 July, with the programme targeting primarily 16 to 21-year-olds seeking entry-level opportunities in catering and hospitality services.

The eight-month programme will convert suitable existing vacancies into supported early careers opportunities, giving young people paid workplace experience alongside structured training covering employability, workplace behaviours, customer service, food safety, hospitality, and role-specific technical skills. On completion, apprentices will have a route into further roles, Sodexo academies, additional apprenticeship programmes, or wider industry employment.

Sodexo UK & Ireland ranks 43rd in the Department for Work and Pensions' 2026 Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list, announced on 2 July. The list, developed in partnership with Higherin, recognises outstanding apprenticeship employers across England based on achievement rates, commitment to inclusivity, and apprentice experience feedback.

Through its partnership with Unifrog, the online careers platform used by schools across the UK, Sodexo is also helping young people explore career pathways through virtual work experience, career insight sessions, and employer engagement activities. On 29 June, Sodexo became the first host organisation for Unifrog's 2026 Virtual Work Experience Week, providing more than 2,500 students with an introduction to the company and the career pathways it offers.

Laura-Jane Rawlings MBE, chief executive officer of Youth Employment UK, said the commitment from a major employer of Sodexo's scale is precisely the kind of action the sector needs. She said: "We are delighted to see the commitment Sodexo has to supporting young people through Foundation Apprenticeships. We know far too many young people are struggling to find that first opportunity to grow their confidence, knowledge, and skills. Foundation Apprenticeships are a great pathway for so many, and with a quality youth employer like Sodexo, we know that experience will make a huge difference to the lives and future paths of many."

For HR practitioners in large hospitality and facilities management organisations, the Sodexo model offers a practical template for embedding the Youth Guarantee within existing recruitment infrastructure.