13 Nov 2015

People 1st, is launching a campaign to help hospitality businesses understand and prepare for the new employer-driven standards as the industry prepares for substantial changes to apprenticeships scheduled for Spring 2016.

With the hospitality and tourism industries requiring a combined 229,000 skilled and managerial staff by 2022*, People 1st is hailing the seven new hospitality apprenticeship standards – created by employers and led by Hilton Worldwide, to be more robust, clearly defined and fit for purpose – as being truly transformative for those businesses that choose to use them.

Simon Tarr, chief executive of People 1st, says the new standards offer a range of benefits and People 1st is providing support to help businesses understand how they can meet their specific needs:

“Research indicates that 80% of companies that invest in apprentices report an increase in staff retention, but that’s just the beginning – there is also compelling evidence that progressing your brightest and best talent can significantly boost the bottom line;  typically an apprentice working in hospitality contributes up to an impressive £5,200."

People 1st is working in partnership with employers in showing how businesses large and small can access apprenticeships to drive themselves forward. The charity can help them choose the right apprenticeship for their size and type and also provide concise and relevant information for those that choose to offer the new standards.

“The government is in the midst of a consultation over the proposed apprenticeship levy, set to cost our sector over £100m, which will affect all UK employers, whether they use apprenticeships or not. Our role is to help the hospitality, travel, retail and passenger transport industries, sectors that have long been built on offering fantastic career pathways, through apprenticeships – to understand, navigate and, benefit long term from such legislation.”