Chef apprenticeship standards approved by government
The trailblazer senior chef – culinary arts and senior chef – production cooking standards are part of the government’s trailblazer scheme, which gives employers the chance to lead the development of apprenticeship standards for their own industries.
The Hospitality & Travel group was led by Hilton Worldwide and included 24 other employers and trade bodies working across the pub, restaurant and hotel sectors. People 1st managed the development process, which included consultations with a wider range of hospitality employers including micro businesses and SMEs.
Leading by example
Approving the new standards, Skills Minister Nick Boles said: “I’m delighted that hospitality has developed new apprenticeship standards in senior chef – culinary arts and senior chef – production cooking standards.
“Since 2010 there have been 1.8 million apprenticeship starts and the hospitality trailblazer is leading by example in the development and delivery of high quality apprenticeships that give people the chance of successful careers and help businesses get the skills they need to grow.”
Annette Allmark, director of strategic policy at People 1st said the new standards marked a ‘significant shift’ in the development and future use of apprenticeships in the hospitality industry.
“That can only help employers as they help prepare their workforce of the future, and it’s also great news for apprentices, as they’re going to learn the skills they know employers want them to have,” she said.
Kathryn Porter, division resourcing director at Hilton Worldwide, pointed to last week’s Labour Force Survey, which showed that 15 per cent of job growth in the UK last year was attributable to the UK tourism industry.
“Apprenticeships are an excellent route into the industry and our working group has spent significant time and energy to ensure these standards are the right fit for our industry, reflective of opinions from businesses big and small,” she said.
“We look forward to piloting these new standards and further boosting career development in what is an exciting and dynamic sector.”
Further standards
The hospitality trailblazer group has now turned its attention to developing apprenticeship standards for hospitality and travel supervisors and managers, which it plans to submit for government approval in mid-October.
“The trailblazer group will continue to look at these standards to make sure they meet businesses needs across the entire industry, and they will be available on the People 1st website to review for anyone interested,” said Allmark.
