The hospitality industry thrives on fresh talent – but for many new learners, stepping into their first professional environment can feel daunting. That’s why iCQ Awards, in partnership with People 1st International, has launched iCQ Future Stars: an initiative designed to boost learner confidence, provide practical support, and help new apprentices feel part of the team from day one.

Alongside high quality professional wear for every learner, centres can now apply for the £10,000 Future Stars Fund, offering targeted support to help apprentices access the equipment and experiences that elevate their training.

Helping hospitality learners thrive from day one

Starting out in hospitality often means stepping into a brand new environment. To help learners feel prepared and included from the beginning, iCQ Future Stars provides every learner registered on an iCQ hospitality qualification with high quality, branded professional wear.

Learners will receive:

• A chef’s jacket for kitchen based apprentices
• An apron for front of house and other hospitality apprentices

Each item includes iCQ, Future Stars, and People 1st International branding, with optional space for course providers or sponsors to add their own. It’s a simple, motivating way to help learners feel valued and confident right from the start.

Find out more about the full range of iCQ hospitality qualifications and how to become an approved centre.

Introducing the £10,000 Future Stars Fund

To ensure new recruits have the tools they need to flourish, iCQ has established the Future Stars Fund – a dedicated £10,000 investment designed to help hospitality apprentices access the resources, equipment, and enrichment opportunities that make a meaningful difference to their training.

iCQ centres and People 1st International Accredited college restaurants can apply for grants of up to £500, supporting initiatives such as:

• Upgrading kitchen equipment
• Purchasing specialist learning materials
• Funding enrichment activities that enhance curriculum delivery
• Supporting access to additional tools or resources that strengthen skills development

The fund is open to:

• Centres with iCQ registered hospitality apprentices
• College restaurants recognised through People 1st International’s College Accreditation scheme

Applications are now open, with proposals welcomed until 31 October.

Give your learners access to the support that helps them go further. Apply today for a Future Stars grant.

Why become an iCQ Awards centre?

Training providers who work with iCQ Awards benefit from access to:

• A broad range of flexible, industry recognised hospitality qualifications
• High quality tools via the iLearner platform
• Initiatives like the Future Stars professional wear scheme
• Exclusive opportunities such as the Future Stars Fund
• A network of like minded centres committed to raising standards across the sector

Becoming an iCQ centre opens the door to new opportunities — for your learners, your staff, and your organisation.

Join a growing community of centres shaping the future of hospitality training.

Find out more

Get involved in shaping tomorrow’s hospitality workforce

The Future Stars initiative celebrates the potential of hospitality learners and gives them the support they need to build rewarding, successful careers. Whether you want to enhance the learner experience, access funding, or grow your provision through industry recognised qualifications, we’re here to support you.

Ready to get involved?

• Apply for a Future Stars Fund grant
• Explore the benefits of becoming an iCQ centre
• Learn more about partnership and sponsorship opportunities

Get in touch today to support the next generation of hospitality talent.