Supporting businesses to build, develop and retain skilled workforces

We’re a trusted partner to employers, industry bodies, skills organisations, donor funders, NGOs, investment banks and governments, with over 50 years’ experience in skills development and technical vocational education and training.

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What we can help you with

Workforce insights

Our deep insights into the current and future skills needs are fostered out of the strong relationships we hold with industry to give us real-time intelligence into the workforce disruptions and challenges, innovative approaches and practical solutions industry needs.

Enabling collaboration

We bring together industry, associations, national stakeholders and governments with a passion for skills development to work collaboratively to identify the skills priorities for the sector and create industry-endorsed strategies that develop skilled and valued workforces. The connections we forge between employers and education help align skills to businesses' needs, ensuring an excellent source of future talent.

Skills standards development

We are at the forefront of developing apprenticeship, professional and occupational standards,working with employers to define the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed for today’s workforce. Uniquely, we also support industry in maintaining the ongoing quality of standardsand apprenticeships through robust quality assurance models.

Expert consultancy

Our team of expert international consultants support countries with a true thirst for professional development, who are passionate about helping young people, challenging social and gender exclusion, addressing the barriers to work and supporting continuous professional development of the existing workforce. We specialise in developing Technical & Vocational Education Training(TVET) strategies, helping to set out the strategic direction of skills development at an industry, local, regional or national level.

Practical, responsive solutions

As the industry expert in skills, we offer a wide range of support and sustainable, practical solutions that are developed in collaboration with employers to help businesses maximise the potential of their workforce. Our products and services, such as our WorldHost programme,career pathway tool and suite of training and assessment services are trusted by organisations globally to deliver results through an innovative, human and transformative approach.

Latest news

People 1st International Launches Two New Virtual Delivery Skills Programmes - helping trainers to transform their skills for online delivery

To help trainers transition their skills for online delivery and confidently deliver highly engaging virtual training, People 1st International has launched a 90-minute e-learning module, Introduction to Digital Delivery as part of its Train the Trainer series.

02/03/2021

New guide on funded skills support launched to support hospitality and tourism businesses

The Hospitality and Tourism Skills (HATS) network has launched a guide on funded skills support available to help hospitality and tourism businesses retain talent through this difficult time and develop the skills needed for the future.

23/02/2021

People 1st International joins the Global Deal partnership

Joining the partnership that brings together stakeholders to promote joint solutions on social dialogue, we've made our commitment to the Global Deal.

02/02/2021

Peter Gardner appointed as new chair of the Aviation Industry Skills Board

Peter Gardner, Apprenticeship & Talent Development Manager UK&I for Menzies Aviation has been appointed as the new chair of the Aviation Industry Skills Board (AISB).

03/11/2020

Travel employers' support for apprenticeships

January and February are normally among the busiest times of year for the UK’s tour operators and travel agents. This year, however, the travel sector is continuing to grapple with the debilitating impact of the Covid pandemic and ongoing uncertainty about the future. Travel will eventually bounce back, but the question is, how long will that take?

Mark Smith

11/02/2021

Why apprenticeships are crucial in rebuilding hospitality

This year’s 14th National Apprenticeship Week will be unlike any that has gone before it. But while it’s impossible to avoid the fact that the hospitality sector is facing an incredibly difficult and uncertain time, we also have to remember that it will eventually bounce back. And as that starts to happen, apprenticeships will play a vital part in the rebuild strategy.

Sandra Kelly

10/02/2021

Why apprenticeships are vital to the recovery in aviation

There’s no avoiding the fact that the Covid pandemic has plunged the global aviation industry into an unprecedented crisis. And while it will eventually recover, air travel in the post-pandemic future is very unlikely to look the same as it did in the past. Many of our long-held approaches to the way air operates will need to change, and as that starts to happen, apprenticeships will play a vital part in the sector’s rebuild strategy.

09/02/2021

Apprenticeships: Futureproofing the workforce and boosting careers in retail

While many retailers have been impacted by the pandemic, there has been nothing like the wholesale disruption and loss of business experienced in sectors such as hospitality or travel. In fact in many cases, retail sales have actually risen over the past year, particularly when it comes to online shopping and delivery. But this change in emphasis also means a change in the skills required by the sector, so apprenticeships will continue to play a vital role in the development of retail in the post-pandemic world.

08/02/2021