Pubs and bars welcome apprenticeship reform
Reduced apprenticeship durations and flexibility in entry requirements have been announced.
The Department for Education has announced two key changes to apprenticeships, with the moves being welcomed by the pub and bar industry.
Businesses will now be able to decide whether adult learners over the age of 19 will need to complete level 2 English and maths qualifications in order to pass.
On top of that, the minimum duration of an apprenticeship will be reduced to eight months, down from the current minimum of 12 months.
"Introducing more flexibility into apprenticeships is something UKHospitality has long been calling for and I’m pleased the government has acted on this," says Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality. "Having run our own highly successful skills training pilot in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions, we know how effective hospitality is in getting people into work. I’m confident that these changes can help us go even further and drive more apprenticeships in hospitality, a sector with huge growth potential."
More control for operators
UKHospitality says that giving businesses more control over the apprenticeship requirements, so they are relevant to the role, is critical and will remove a significant barrier for both the employer and the apprentice.
"Reducing the minimum duration for apprenticeships can deliver more targeted training, get people fully trained even quicker and give employees the chance to move up the hospitality career ladder," adds Nicholls.
Nick Mackenzie, CEO of Greene King, says the brewer and pub operator has long been calling for the government to improve the system’s flexibility and increase its inclusivity.
"We are proud to have supported nearly 18,000 apprenticeships since 2011, and today’s announcement will enable even more people to access fulfilling training in key sectors," he says. "We welcome this first step in apprenticeship reform and look forward to further working with government to create a system that provides opportunities for all and drives the UK’s economic growth."
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