The Department for Education has announced two key changes to apprenticeships, which are businesses will be able to decide whether adult learners over the age of 19 will need to complete level 2 English and maths qualifications in order to pass and the minimum duration of an apprenticeship will be reduced to eight months, down from the current minimum of 12 months.
UKHospitality CEO Kate Nicholls said: “Introducing more flexibility into apprenticeships is something UKHospitality has long been calling for and I’m pleased the Government has acted on this.
Huge growth potential
“Having run our own highly successful skills training pilot in partnership with the Department for Work & Pensions, we know how effective hospitality is in getting people into work.
“I’m confident these changes can help us go even further and drive more apprenticeships in hospitality, a sector with huge growth potential.
“Giving businesses more control over the apprenticeship requirements, so they are relevant to the role, is critical and will remove a significant barrier for both the employer and the apprentice.
Targeted training
“Reducing the minimum duration for apprenticeships can deliver more targeted training, get people fully trained even quicker and give employees the chance to move up the hospitality career ladder.
“Hospitality is unique in its ability to offer unrivalled career opportunities, demonstrated by the majority of its workforce and management entering the sector without a degree. Many of those people will have come through apprenticeships.
“I look forward to working with the Government on its plans for both apprenticeships and the Skills and Growth Levy, where I hope to see further moves to give business greater flexibility across funding and the introduction of modular training.”
Meanwhile, Nick Mackenzie, CEO of Greene King, said: “As one of UK hospitality’s leading providers of apprenticeships, we have long been calling for the Government to improve the system’s flexibility and increase its inclusivity.
“We are proud to have supported nearly 18,000 apprenticeships since 2011, and today’s announcement will enable even more people to access fulfilling training in key sectors.
“We welcome this first step in apprenticeship reform and look forward to further working with Government to create a system that provides opportunities for all and drives the UK’s economic growth.”
Critical roles of apprentices
In recognition of National Apprentice Week, owner of Burgh Island Hotel Giles Fuchs has highlighted the importance of apprentices in the hospitality sector.
The co-managing director said: “National Apprenticeship Week provides a key opportunity to emphasise the critical role apprenticeships play in shaping the future of the UK hospitality sector.
“As a cornerstone of the economy, contributing £93bn annually and is the UK’s third-largest employer, it relies on a steady stream of skilled and passionate individuals. Apprenticeships are just one of many key pathways that help equip future leaders to meet these needs while maintaining the service excellence that defines our industry.
Staffing challenges
“The hospitality sector is facing a multitude of staffing challenges, which will be further compounded by the financial impact of last year’s Autumn Budget. Amid this backdrop, promoting programmes that nurture professional development is essential to enhancing our capacity to meet demand and sustaining our role in local economies.
“Upskilling in hospitality not only elevates its status as a respected career but also fuels growth. Hospitality is strengthened by its diversity, and at Burgh, some of our most talented staff have been educated at institutions across Europe, such as the ESO Euroschool Hotel Academy. This highlights the crucial role of formal training and apprenticeships in fostering growth and career progression in our field.
Organisational and logistic skills
“We also have roles involving hotel and restaurant management, we need chefs for our busy kitchen, staff to manage our facilities as well as the wider initiatives we have in the leisure and sustainability areas. Here we look for people with strong organisational and logistic skills and, of course, for our chefs we need an aptitude for cooking.
“Let’s use this week to shape and empower the future of hospitality, spreading support and awareness so we can continue to enrich communities across the country.”
