An estimated 1.5 million people are currently needed in gastronomic sectors across Europe. In Luxembourg, about 2,000 additional employees are wanted in the sector, which is why the HORESCA Federation has now launched a call for ‘Dream Job Ambassadors', people employed in the sector and willing to promote available positions to potential new candidates.
Read also: Horesca hit hard by staff shortagesChef Ben Weber has been an ambassador since 2020. After completing his training at the Diekirch hospitality school, he initially worked in a Michelin-starred kitchen before establishing his own business twelve years ago.
Weber noted: “One can reinvent oneself every single day. There is a level of creativity almost unparalleled by other professions. You work with people and receive direct feedback ... it is hard to get the same direct satisfaction in other jobs.”
Nevertheless, there is a shortage of employees in Luxembourg’s gastronomic sector. The new HORESCA campaign was therefore launched at Expogast this weekend.
François Koepp, secretary general of the hospitality federation, explained that employers might have to start looking beyond the borders of Europe to find suitable candidates: “Since we are cooperating with foreign schools and non-European countries, where people are trained according to our standards, then we should also give them a chance to come work in Luxembourg.”
Expogast certainly underlined the amount of passion that people can develop for a gastronomic profession. No fewer than 100 international teams competed in the associated Culinary World Cup, which saw them prepare dishes for 110 people, including a jury that will elect a final winner.
The convention is not only meant for professionals, the wider public is also invited to taste and enjoy little delicacies from local producers. Chefs further prepare and exhibit new dishes on a daily basis.
Expogast will conclude on Wednesday.
