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What is a hospitality apprenticeship?

Hospitality apprenticeships are work-based training programmes which are designed to train people for specific job roles. The apprentice works a fully paid job while receiving valuable hospitality training to work towards a nationally recognised apprenticeship standard.

Each level of a hospitality apprenticeship maps to a different educational level:

• Level 2 is the equivalent to two GCSEs

• Level 3 is equivalent to two A-levels

• Level 4 is equivalent to Higher Education Diploma

• Level 5 is equivalent to a Foundation Degree

• Level 6 is equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree

Who can do a hospitality apprenticeship?

Anyone aged 16 years and above, with no upper age limit. You can apply if you’re currently employed, unemployed, or leaving school.

There are no formal qualifications needed to do a hospitality apprenticeship, though some employers may ask for GCSEs in English, maths or science. If you haven’t gained a C or above in maths or English at GCSE level, you will complete Functional Skills alongside your apprenticeship. Functional Skills are the industry equivalent of GCSEs.

You’ll be expected to have previous relevant experience for the higher levels of apprenticeship.

How much will I earn?

The average weekly wage is £200 but if you are 19 after completing the first year of your apprenticeship you must be paid at least the full National Minimum Wage.

The current minimum apprenticeship wage can be found here (2019), however many hospitality companies pay more than the minimum.

All hospitality apprentices are employed and have a contract of employment. You are counted as a regular employee so get all the benefits such as holiday and sick leave.

How many hours will I work?

This depends on the company’s contract, but you can expect to work fulltime for 30+ hours a week.

How long does a hospitality apprenticeship last?

All apprenticeships will last at least 12 months, but the full duration depends on the programme being followed. As a guide, a Level 2 apprenticeship usually takes around 12 to 18 months and an advanced Level 3 apprenticeship around 24 months.

After the programme apprentices will need to complete an End-point Assessment to achieve their accredited standard. The End-point Assessment can take up to three months and assesses the apprentice on the knowledge, skill and behaviours developed through the programme.

What is the cost?

There is no cost to you as the training is fully funded through apprenticeship funding provided by the company or through government funding.

How is training delivered?

All the training and assessment for the apprenticeship will be completed at your place of work. You’ll be visited by a trainer every three to five weeks, including observations in the workplace. You’ll have 24/7 access to online resources and learning plans.

You’ll build a portfolio of work-based evidence demonstrating the different knowledge and skills you develop on the programme.

How do I apply?

A hospitality apprenticeship has an application process like any other job. You can browse apprenticeship vacancies here.