Qualifications Rationalisation

There is no doubt about it – the sector's qualifications system is in a mess. Untangling that mess is one of People 1st's most important activities. There are over 400 qualifications in hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism. How do employees and employers know which one is right for them?

Lets take the example of chefs:-

• The number of chefs is declining while demand is increasing.
• It is cheaper to run a hairdressing course than a chef's course. As a result, there are now more hairdressers than chefs.
• It is cheaper to run theory, as opposed to practical, cookery classes - so you can get a cookery qualification without ever demonstrating cooking ability!
• NVQs allow people to choose from a range of modules, so two people who appear to have the same qualification on paper could have two completely different skill sets.
• Awarding bodies have developed their own courses based on People1st's National Occupational Standards, without any overseeing body to ensure consistency.

What we are doing about it...

A better qualification for chefs

We are working with employers and colleges to develop a chef qualification which is more practical than the GNVQ, but can still be delivered in colleges, and so retain government funding. We are working with awarding bodies to ensure the new qualification is nationally recognised, and lobbying government to provide funding.

Reducing numbers

We are rationalising the number of courses to develop the skills employers need and give employees a better start in their careers. There were 14 qualifications in food safety alone - we have obtained agreement with all the awarding bodies to reduce this to just one.

Ensuring consistency

People 1st now writes the Qualifications Strategy to go along with National Occupational Standards. We work with the Learning Skills Council to ensure that the only courses that attract funding are the ones that really add value .

We have also created Development Pathways and Skills Passport, tools that will help employers and employees find their way through the qualifications maze.

Attracting funding

We are fighting to ensure that government funding goes only to the right courses.

Creating courses for current and future needs

We are helping the awarding bodies to create new courses in key areas – e.g. Nutrition for School Dinner Ladies, an important influence on the future of our children.