People 1st launches new hospitality apprenticeship scheme

More businesses will now be able to run their own apprenticeships following the launch of a new scheme from sector skills council, People 1st.

Available now, the new apprenticeship has been extended to 18 specialist areas to accommodate the diverse and specific needs of the hospitality and catering industry.

These include apprenticeships for Asian and Oriental Cuisine, Patisserie and Confectionery, as well as Kitchen Services which is suitable for commercially oriented kitchens such as branded high street restaurants, branded contract catering outlets and licensed retail operations that need to focus on brand standards and kitchen control.

Reflecting the changing nature of the hospitality industry, the new apprenticeship offers businesses more flexibility in how they can be delivered – they can be embedded within an organisation's in-house training scheme, whilst apprentices can progress in their own time or location some of which could be through online delivery of training and assessment.

Martin-Christian Kent, director of policy and research at People 1st said: "Whilst our sector has traditionally had strong apprenticeships, we now have a robust and versatile system that meets individual business needs. This should prove even more attractive to businesses as they provide the perfect vehicle to tackle specific skills gaps and develop and mould their own staff. In fact, 80% of businesses employing apprentices report that it has made them more competitive and reduced staff turnover.

"Apprenticeships provide a tremendous opportunity for the sector to provide structured training to address its skills needs and the latest government announcements provide fresh impetus for sector businesses to take advantage of them."

To prepare businesses and training providers during the transition between current and new apprenticeships, People 1st has negotiated with the National Apprenticeship Scheme that both schemes run in tandem until 30 September 2010.

Words: Clare Riley

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