The board will play a critical role in overseeing the external quality assurance of the independent assessment that takes place at the end of the apprenticeship, and is set to be recognised by the government to ensure the industry’s apprenticeships stay fit for purpose.
People 1st will be accountable to the board, whose members will play a significant part in helping to make sure the seven new employer-driven hospitality apprenticeship standards remain high quality and fit for purpose for all across the industry.
Quality
Director of strategic policy at People 1st, Annette Allmark, said: “The hospitality industry is leading the way when it comes to taking ownership of apprenticeship quality. Joining the board presents a huge opportunity to businesses and individuals that want an instrumental role in the future of hospitality apprenticeships.
“The board will be made up of a diverse range of industry representatives and in addition to those with learning and development backgrounds, we are hoping that people with expertise in operations, communication and finance will also join. Members will be responsible for championing apprenticeships within their networks encouraging growth and best practice delivery.”
The group have stated the board is critical when considering the industry requires 1.3m skilled staff by 2024 to operate efficiently and remain competitive.
The consistency of assessment material and the vocational competence of independent assessors, along with how internal quality processes and reporting are managed, will be checked by external quality assurance.
Confidence
Director of youth strategy, EMEA at Hilton Worldwide and chair of the hospitality trailblazer, Kathryn Porter, said: “External quality assurance is critical because it will pick up any inconsistencies in the assessment and ensure a high level of quality is maintained and that apprentices are achieving the standard. Most importantly it will give employers, apprentices and the public in general, confidence in how the apprenticeship is assessed.”
There are 15 positions available on the board and the closing date for applications is 7 October.
To find out more and make a nomination, see here.