New Apprenticeships For Hospitality And Travel

Evidence clearly shows that the cost of investing in an apprentice in our sector pays back in just over a year and with the new government's push on apprenticeships, it is timely that new sector apprenticeship frameworks will be launched this summer.

The new framework for hospitality and catering - as well as travel services - will be available from 1 August and 1 September respectively, and should ensure that apprentices gain the exact skills and knowledge that businesses need.

The frameworks have been updated following a review of the National Occupational Standards for both hospitality and catering and travel services to reflect current industry practice. These describe what an individual needs to do, know, and understand in order to carry out a particular job or function. The changes have been supported by wide consultation with sector employers.

Additions to the apprenticeship in hospitality and catering include new routes for Thai, Chinese, Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, as well as for ‘kitchen services' for those cooking large volumes of food to brand standards and requiring some culinary expertise. These will sit alongside existing routes for chefs, food and beverage service, housekeeping, front office and multi-skilling.

Changes to the apprenticeship in travel services (currently known as the apprenticeship in travel and tourism services) include new competencebased and knowledge qualifications and three separate pathways for leisure and business, tour operations – head office, and tour operations – field staff.

Travel insurance is no longer a mandatory component of the apprenticeship, as it was causing a barrier for employers but remains an optional unit. Additionally, customer service units will be mandatory at level 2, and units on the four UK destinations (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales) will be available to take individually, with no requirement to complete all four – allowing apprentices to concentrate on the specific knowledge required for their role.

There has never been a better time to take on an apprentice – to find out more, email preetkiran.sumal@people1st.co.uk