Hospitality & Catering Apprenticeships

In a diverse industry made up of hotels, restaurants, pubs, bars and contract catering, the demands on skills are ever increasing as competition rises and a key challenge for employers is to attract people who have the right aptitude for the industry, support the development of the right skills and create an environment in which people stay and expand their career horizons. Apprenticeships offer an ideal way of developing the talent pool, providing tailored training solutions that are structured and highly supported.

What are the entry requirements?

Apprenticeships generally do not impose any restrictions in terms of entry requirements. There is no minimum academic criteria for entry except where employers set their own. The starting point is determined by an assessment of the job role and initial assessment of the person. Individuals will be drawn from a diverse range of backgrounds and will have a range of experience, age, personal achievements and, in some cases, prior qualifications and awards which may count towards achievement of an apprenticeship.

How long does a Hospitality apprenticeship take?

An intermediate hospitality apprenticeship at level 2 will take approximately 12-14 months to complete, followed by the advanced apprenticeship taking a further 14 months.

What skills does it cover?

Maintaining a safe, hygienic and secure working environment
Working effectively as part of a hospitality team
Giving customers a positive impression
Maintaining food safety when storing, holding and serving food
Preparing fish, meat or poultry dishes (food production apprenticeship)
Maintaining an efficient use of resources in the kitchen (food production apprenticeship)
Cook-chilling food (food production apprenticeship)
Producing pastry products (food production apprenticeship)

Individuals will gain a Diploma in Hospitality (from level 2 to level 3) as well as functional skills in maths and English which are core aspects of an apprenticeship programme. Exemptions apply for individuals holding GCSE grade C or above in Maths and English.

What levels are there?

Apprenticeships are available in Hospitality Service, Food and Beverage Service, Hospitality Supervision as well as Food Production and Cooking and Professional Cookery at intermediate (level 2) and advanced (level 3).

Who could benefit?

There are a range of opportunities to benefit individuals at all levels, whether staff are new to the industry or existing staff wishing to up-skill. Intermediate and advanced apprenticeships are ideal for those in job roles such as: