Three new hospitality trailblazer standards set for development

Three new hospitality "trailblazer" standards, led by Hilton Worldwide and managed by People 1st, are set to be introduced as part of the government's apprenticeship reforms.

Dubbed the trailblazer, the development drive for new apprenticeship benchmarks is now set to create standards for a commis chef, chef de partie, and a hospitality team member.

Employers have also been encouraged to get involved in the overall process, to help establish a clear career pathway for apprentices who are entering hospitality. This will aim to ensure that the standards work for the industry, and allow both apprentices and businesses to maximise their time.

The Lancaster Hotel's consortium of SMEs is one high-profile group advising on standards that will fit into hospitality companies' business models. The hotel's general manager, Sally Beck, explained that good apprenticeships were an effective tool with which to recruit and train staff.

Annette Allmark, director of strategic policy at People 1st, also said that the standards were good news for employers, as they would help reduce the 20% rate of apprentice turnover - estimated to cost the industry £274m a year.

She said: "The standards are employer driven and provide the industry with a fantastic opportunity to engage, train and develop highly skilled apprentices."

Skills Minister Nick Boles added: "I congratulate the hospitality trailblazer, supported by People 1st, for the key role it is playing in developing new top-quality apprenticeships. [They] will give people the skills they need to thrive and our businesses need to compete."

Sandra Warren, head of education at Compass Group, also commented that apprenticeships had been a key means to develop talent within the foodservice company. She said: "It's essential to our business that we input into the new standards so they are firmly based on developing the skills and knowledge which will enable apprentices to prosper in the industry."

Other companies and establishments to have been involved in the new trailblazer standards include McDonald's UK, Whitbread, Mitchells and Butlers, KFC UKI and Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons.

Industry welcomes new trailblazer apprenticeship standards >>