ALMR launches gold-standard diploma scheme for UK hospitality

The ALMR diploma, announced today (19 December) by chief executive Kate Nicholls in London, is designed for Level 2 hospitality team members, both front and back-of-house, but will be expanded to cover a broad range of hospitality careers.

Employees will undergo training that leads to the achievement of a recognised gold standard that will be delivered by leading specialist training and apprenticeship provider HIT Training, and end-tested by awarding organisation and apprenticeship assessment organisation BIIAB.

The modules will be delivered via e-learning online, with the exception of the Award for Personal Licence Holders, which will be sat face-to-face, and enrolment for the diploma begins in January 2018.

All-inclusive, exhaustive training 

ALMR chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “The ALMR Hospitality Diploma will provide the UK’s hospitality businesses with an all-inclusive, exhaustive training and assessment scheme designed to meet the myriad demands of this innovative and varied sector.

“The diploma will also provide employees with the support and education they need to progress within the sector, and will deliver a solid foundation for a potentially long and rewarding career, and a senior role within our dynamic industry.”

Anthony Pender, chairman of the British Institute of Innkeeping, added: “This streamlined and valuable diploma will ensure young employees are given the best start on the road to a long and rewarding career with us.”

The ALMR has also announced 11% growth in its membership in 2017, with outlet numbers up 18%. Recent additions include Patisserie Valerie, Caffe Nero, Burger King, Prezzo Holdings, Marston’s, The City Pub Company and Le Pain Quotidien.

Successful year of lobbying

In the past three years, membership of the ALMR has now grown by 66%, with outlet numbers up by 168% during that period.

A successful year of lobbying has also seen the ALMR’s campaigning save the sector £1.6bn in additional costs, freeing up the sector to deliver growth and jobs.

Nicholls added: “Another very successful year has seen the ALMR continue to expand to incorporate new and exciting members with increasingly varied trading styles.

“We have cemented our position as the leading voice for the UK’s eating and drinking out businesses and will look to build on this good work in what will no doubt be a successful 2018.

“Eating and drinking out businesses have faced legislative barriers and uncertainty over their futures, but they have shown amazing resilience and ingenuity to flourish during difficult times. We are very much looking forward to continuing our hard work with all our members to make sure that these integral businesses are in the best position to succeed.”