Hospitality centre of excellence opens at Edgbaston

A new catering and hospitality centre of excellence has been unveiled at Edgbaston that promises exciting career opportunities at the stadium for local residents.

Xcelerate with Edgbaston – operated by Edgbaston catering partner Levy UK + Ireland – opened on 13 February and offers apprenticeships, career development, and skills training for people wanting to work in the sector.

The one million pound facility – situated behind the Wyatt Stand – is equipped with the latest technology and features 12 modern cooking stations, lecture theatre, and practical training areas.

And Xcelerate with Edgbaston also offers a community engagement programme, including cookery masterclasses for aspiring home chefs run by Steven Lamb, one of the founding tutors at River Cottage.

Edgbaston Community Director, Fidelis Navas, said: “We take huge pride in being the first site to house an Xcelerate community centre. Edgbaston is dedicated to serving our local communities.

“Most of the staff that work here on match days come from the local area and we see Xcelerate as an opportunity to provide more career opportunities for people living near Edgbaston.

“This centre offers a fantastic facility, equipped with modern amenities, for prospective Edgbaston employees to undergo training in various roles such as chefs, event managers, receptionists, baristas, and facilities managers.

“There will be opportunities for trainees to showcase their talents on match days – including England internationals when 25,000 spectators will be here – and for visitors to savour food created by the trainee chefs.

“We are eager to start collaborating with our community partners and highlight the array of career opportunities available at our stadium.”

Levy UK + Ireland has enjoyed a 20+ year partnership with Edgbaston.

Jonathan Foot, Head of Apprenticeships and Early Careers at Compass Group UK & Ireland, said: “Xcelerate with Edgbaston marks a significant milestone in our commitment to fostering excellence in service and professionalism within the industry. Our mission is to offer everyone the opportunity to develop and progress.

“The Xcelerate training space will also be utilised on match days providing an enhanced experience for cricket goers, offering a modern and vibrant food and drink area with the latest technology.”

Apprenticeships will range from Level 2 through to degree level and spanning culinary, operations, IT, HR, event management, procurement and finance.

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, who officially opened Xcelerate with Edgbaston, said: “Hospitality is an incredibly important sector not just for our regional economy but also for our communities, providing valuable opportunities for local people.

“But we know the industry has struggled with a shortage of skilled workers in recent times which is why I’m so pleased to officially open Xcelerate here at Edgbaston Stadium. I look forward to seeing it play a pivotal role in giving people the skills they need to work in hospitality while helping our local businesses recruit the future talent they need to prosper in the months and years ahead.”

For more information or to book, go to Xcelerate at www.xceleratewithcompass.co.uk.