PEOPLE 1ST REFORMS HOSPITALITY QUALIFICATIONS

The biggest overhaul of hospitality and catering qualifications in over two decades is being carried out by People 1st to meet the industry's need for a simpler, more transparent and flexible system.

It follows a detailed consultation with employers and other stakeholders throughout the UK to review existing skills needs and identify emerging or specialist requirements. This found that employers and employees did not understand the relevance of more than 400 industry-related qualifications across the UK.

Consequently, the sector skills council for hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism has streamlined its offering of vocational qualifications and removed duplicate qualifications.

Thirty new qualifications are also being developed and a new apprenticeship framework for hospitality and catering will be available in August.

The new suite of qualifications falls into three main categories:

* Pre-entry/introductory qualifications for those at school
* Pre-employment qualifications for those at college
* Workforce development for those already in work who want to build on their skills

The new portfolio of qualifications is designed to fit into the new Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) and allows students to build a flexible qualification by banking the required number of credits for course units.

Employers too should find it easier to measure the level of qualifications achieved by potential employees.

"People 1st has taken a holistic and collaborative approach towards reforming its offering of qualifications, ensuring that they are aligned with each other and provide clear progression routes and career development," said Martin-Christian Kent, director of policy and research.

"It is essential that the right qualifications are in place so that staff can develop the right skills and address any skills gaps they may have. We will continue working closely with sector employers so that funding is wisely invested in the qualifications that make the most difference to their business."

Detailed information on all the qualifications can be found on the Good Qualification Guide on www.uksp.co.uk, along with information on funding availability.

Words: David Foad

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