UKHospitality Calls for Protection of Apprenticeship Standards

UKHospitality has requested that the Department for Work and Pensions ensure the continuation of hospitality apprenticeship standards amid a sector review.

UKHospitality has formally requested the Department for Work and Pensions to maintain existing hospitality apprenticeship standards. The request was made in a letter addressed to Baroness Smith of Malvern, the Minister for Skills. The organization emphasized the importance of these apprenticeships in supporting the career development and progression of young people in the hospitality sector.

The letter highlighted concerns that reducing the number of available apprenticeship standards could undermine government objectives to increase youth employment and reduce economic inactivity. UKHospitality expressed apprehension that a shift in focus towards industrial strategy sectors could negatively impact the hospitality industry and contribute to a two-tier economy.

Allen Simpson, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, noted that the hospitality sector is a significant user of apprenticeships, which are crucial for providing career opportunities. He said that the sector uses a limited number of standards, which are more cost-effective than those in other industries. A reduction in these standards could disproportionately affect the sector’s ability to recruit, train, and advance personnel.

Simpson also raised concerns about the potential consequences of prioritizing industrial strategy sectors over the so-called “everyday economy.” He warned that this could lead to a societal divide in which opportunities are limited by educational attainment or social background. He stressed the importance of retaining apprenticeship standards to ensure a meritocratic path to management roles for young people in hospitality.

UKHospitality has urged the government to guarantee the protection of current hospitality apprenticeship standards for at least the next 24 months. This period would allow the sector to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders to determine the optimal skills framework for the future. The organization argues that maintaining these standards is essential for achieving governmental goals of supporting youth employment and reducing economic inactivity across all age groups.