Government approves new chef apprenticeship standards
The Hilton Worldwide-led group developed new apprenticeship standards for two roles in the sector: senior chef in culinary arts and senior chef in production cooking.
The group has 24 other members in the trade, including Spirit Pub Company, Whitbread, Tragus Group, Mitchells & Butlers and British Institute of Innkeeping.
Skills Minister Nick Boles said: “I’m delighted that hospitality has developed new apprenticeship standards in senior chef – culinary arts and senior chef – production cooking standards.
“Since 2010 there have been 1.8 million apprenticeship starts and the hospitality trailblazer is leading by example in the development and delivery of high quality apprenticeships that give people the chance of successful careers and help businesses get the skills they need to grow.”
The standards were developed following consultations with a wide range of hospitality employers, including micro businesses and SMEs.
'Significant shift'
Annette Allmark, director of strategic policy at People 1st, who acted as the managing agent for the development of the trailblazers, said: “The new standards mark a significant shift in the development and future use of apprenticeships, as employers now have a far greater say in the skills apprentices learn.
“That can only help employers as they help prepare their workforce of the future, and it’s also great news for apprentices, as they’re going to learn the skills they know employers want them to have.”
Kathryn Porter, division resourcing director at Hilton Worldwide and chair of the Trailblazer Group, added: “Last week’s Labour Force Survey highlighted that 15% of job growth in the UK in 2013 was attributable to the UK tourism industry, further demonstrating its huge significance from an employment perspective.
“Apprenticeships are an excellent route into the industry and our working group has spent significant time and energy to ensure these standards are the right fit for our industry, reflective of opinions from businesses big and small. We look forward to piloting these new standards and further boosting career development in what is an exciting and dynamic sector.”
New developments
The hospitality trailblazer group will also continue to work on the development of apprenticeship standards for hospitality and travel supervisors and hospitality and travel managers, which will be submitted in mid-October.
The approved standards and those still under development can be viewed here.