The two organisations are calling on employers to submit words of support for the bid which will be submitted on 28 March. If successful, the money would go towards the development of qualifications and training programmes that ultimately contribute to the bottom-line.
“If we are unsuccessful in establishing an Industrial Partnership, we believe it will be harder for individual employers to access Government funding,” said the Hospitality Guild’s executive director Suzy Jackson.
“The Government does not recognise our sector as critical to growth compared with aerospace or advanced manufacturing, but the credibility of hospitality and tourism to buck the economic trend and support the UK out of recession is significant.”
“The money is there and we have the expertise and credibility to present a compelling pitch, but we need support from as many employers as possible to unlock this vital funding for skills development.”
Through the Employer Ownership Fund, the Government is inviting applications from sectors like hospitality to create ‘industrial partnerships’ - a representative group of employers, educators and professional bodies that take a wider, long-term responsibility for skills development within their industry.
VIDEO: The Hospitality Guild's vision...
If the Hospitality Guild and People 1st bid for funding is successful, it will enable continued progress on:
- Accrediting the best training that delivers proven results
- Delivering an innovative information and careers website
- Building on the success of the Hospitality Guild as the umbrella organisation bringing together professional bodies to work collectively to develop and signpost the best solutions
Employer support
The Fund also provides an opportunity for employers to receive funding directly – particularly for innovative solutions that address specific needs such as delivering apprenticeships across seasonal businesses or bite-sized management and leadership programmes.
Jackson added: “The Hospitality Guild has already successfully championed collective partnerships and working together to build a single marketplace for professional development over the past year.
“People 1st has the expertise of qualification development, knowledge of skills funding and programme delivery. Employer support is the critical piece of the jigsaw to achieve the highest chance of success.”
Employers can back the Hospitality Guild and People 1st bid by pledging their support. There is no money involved – all that is required is words of support and agreement that the company’s name can be listed as a supporter in the bid submission.