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Blue Arrow Solves Bartender Shortages for Hospitality Sector in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh

Hospitality is a major sector that we supply, with many of our hospitality clients understanding the need for fully complaint recruitment. Bars, hotels, and restaurants across Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh serve locals and tourists on a daily basis.

Blue Arrow Solves Bartender Shortages for Hospitality Sector in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh

Client

Bars and Restaurants

Contact

Operations Director

Sector

Hospitality

Staffing Type

Bartenders and Waiting Staff
150
Candidates now certified
100%
Fulfilment rate for clients' vacancies
85%
Of participants with a pass score of 90% or higher

Recruitment Challenge

In early 2023, bars, restaurants, and hotels in Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Edinburgh reported that one of the main barriers to sourcing suitable bartenders was the legal requirement for all bar staff to have achieved Alcohol Licensing and Social Responsibility certification.

When the demand for more bartending and wait staff increased in Scotland, we knew our clients and candidates needed additional support. We found that many candidates were a fit for the role due to their personalities and transferable skills. However, they could not be hired due to their lack in certification. 
 

Recruitment Challenge

Recruitment Solution

Assessing our Fulfilment+ candidate base, we found approximately 200 suitable applicants without certification – leading to us identifying an upskilling opportunity. One of our dedicated hospitality and catering recruitment consultants completed the qualification process to become a Personal License Holder with the Aberdeen City Council Licensing Board.

By achieving this qualification, they became a certified training provider for Alcohol Licensing and Social Responsibility. Our hospitality recruitment team then designed a course syllabus and exam paper to ensure thorough delivery of the course content. Each course session was delivered as a 2.5-hour online tutorial. 

Recruitment Solution

Recruitment Journey

Our clients needed evening and weekend shift cover. So, we identified a candidate base of regional students looking for part-time work during their studies. By offering this free course, they were able to expand their skills and fit into the shift patterns that our clients required.

Our course proved a popular choice for international students. Using online accessibility tools, our course was translated into other languages, as well as improved to meet a range of other accessibility needs – meeting the standard of our equality, diversity and inclusion commitments. 

Recruitment Journey

The Results

Due to our commitment in seeing our clients and candidates succeed, we were able to boost the hospitality sector in Scotland. We achieved: 

  • 150 candidates completing the course since its launch in April 2023.
  • 81% of participants placed in work with Blue Arrow clients.
  • 100% of candidates achieving the required pass mark
  • 85% of participants achieving a pass score of 90% or higher.
  • 100% guaranteed fulfilment of clients’ bartender vacancies
The Results
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