The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has mapped out its own ‘Plan For Jobs’ as the industry details plans to support the government’s post-COVID recovery by investing in young people.

As part of the initiative, in support of the government’s own Plan For Jobs project, the BGC and its members have vowed to create a total of 5,000 apprenticeships for young people looking to work in the industry between now and 2025.

Operators are also signing up to the government’s own Kick Start scheme to provide job opportunities for 16 to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit, as well as rolling out graduate recruitment schemes, offering career paths for young people straight from university.

The announcement comes as the government prepares to publish a White Paper on the Gambling Review it has been carrying out since last December.

Further bolstering the plans, the Chief Executive of the body, Michael Dugher, visited the newly opened Star Sports betting shop and spoke to the firm’s head Ben Keith about plans for jobs within the UK sector. 

Dugher emphasised the Plan For Jobs showed the regulated industry was ready to go even further to help to support the UK economy’s recovery from COIVD.

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 jobs through modern betting shops. 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.”