Pavilion Training Academy Programme Is The First At Xcelerate With Edgbaston

The inaugural Compass Group UK & Ireland regional community skills and learning centre, Xcelerate with Edgbaston, successfully hosted its first training programme at the newly launched facility at Edgbaston Stadium. The training was in partnership with Pavilion Training and was attended by 24 people, across two weeks. Courses included hands‑on training sessions across hospitality skills such as Bar Excellence Training, culinary and barista craftsmanship.

Pavilion Training supports young people from across the region, many from disadvantaged backgrounds, in building confidence, developing skillsets and securing brighter futures. Their hospitality training programme partners with local employers across the West Midlands to deliver sector‑based skills, employability support and hands‑on work experience for jobseekers looking to secure work in the hospitality sector.

This programme was fully funded by the Black Country Training Group and supported by the Department for Work and Pensions, so employers benefit from free training and recruitment whilst also supporting their local community.

Sports and entertainment arm of Compass, Levy UK + Ireland, has a longstanding partnership with Edgbaston and was instrumental in establishing the pioneering training site which is dedicated to elevating the skills and standards of all aspects of hospitality. It is hoped that some graduates of Xcelerate with Edgbaston training programmes will go on to secure jobs at the stadium itself.

The one‑and‑a half‑million‑pound training facility boasts state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure designed to provide a conducive learning environment. Equipped with 12 innovative cooking stations, a modern lecture theatre, practical training areas, and the latest industry‑specific technology, the centre ensures a comprehensive and immersive learning experience.

Xcelerate with Edgbaston is the first of Compass’ regional community skills and learning hubs for training and excellence. The training facilities will be provided in partnership with its clients, with the view to train thousands of people every year.

Jonathan Foot, Head of Apprenticeships and Early Careers, Compass Group UK & Ireland: “At Xcelerate with Edgbaston, we’re proud to support leading hospitality employers across Birmingham, that are opening doors to a wealth of career opportunities in the hospitality sector. The feedback about the facilities was very positive from the Pavilion team and I have no doubt this is the start of our impact in helping people develop their skills and supporting the local community.”

Joe Turner, Managing Director at Pavilion said: “The Pavilion team have been supporting hospitality employers with our fast‑track employment programme since last year, however this new partnership with Compass and their fabulous Xcelerate training facility offers learners a perfect platform to hone their skills and open even more doors to exciting employment opportunities across the West Midlands.”

Participant Rachel added: “It was a fun day, only wished it could go on for longer. I really enjoyed doing all the activities, with cocktail making, alt brewing and the barista workshop – I cannot pick a favourite. The hands‑on experience and being able to talk to the employers before an interview was a massive help – showing me what they are looking for will help me move forward in getting a job.”