The Academy of Food & Wine is urging the hospitality industry to work harder to attract this year's school-leavers and graduates to help fill the industry's increasing skills shortage.

Nick Scade, chief executive of the academy, warned that it is important to communicate what the sector really has to offer in the way of quality training, as the industry has suffered from a poor reputation in the past.

"As school leavers receive their exam results and make important decisions about their future, the hospitality industry must make sure it is not overlooked as a career option," said Scade.

"There are a huge number of opportunities, whether in hotels, restaurants or contract catering, all of which can offer exciting, fulfilling careers."

The academy, the industry's professional training body, has also launched a training course this year for new entry level recruits called Licence to Work (L2W). The programme covers food, wine and customer service, health and safety, basic food hygiene and interpersonal skills.

The academy is looking to make L2W a recognised qualification which will include more units across a range of different sectors including culinary, concierge and front office.