BII and Hospitality Guild join forces to introduce career pathway for licensed trade

The BII (British Institute of Innkeeping) and the Hospitality Guild have joined forces to introduce a structured career pathway for employees in the licensed trade.

The partnership has seen the creation of the Voluntary Licence to Practise at levels 2, 3 and 4, which will provide formal training to develop workers from entry level roles through to becoming managers and leaders in hospitality.

The Voluntary Licence to Practise can be achieved by sitting a series of QCF (Qualification and Credit Framework) units including health and safety in the workplace and customer service or via accreditation of employee led training to ensure the education is highly accessible.

BII chief executive Tim Hulme said: “There are great career opportunities within licensed hospitality, but to ensure success and on-going development of individuals, these need to be underpinned by the right education and training. 

"BII is proud to have worked in partnership with the Hospitality Guild to help achieve this through the development a Voluntary Licence to Practise which will have a direct impact on standards within the industry and promote and encourage career progression. The pathway will support the development of strong leaders which can only benefit the industry as a whole.”

Hospitality Guild executive director, Suzy Jackson said: “We are delighted to be working closely with the BII to develop the Voluntary Licence to Practise. We are certain that this will be hugely beneficial, not just for an individual’s personal development, but for perceptions of the industry as a great place to build a professional and successful career with exceptional opportunities for development.”

The Voluntary Licence to Practise at Levels 2 and 3 is now available, with the Level 4 following in 2014.