Innovative online portal simplifies apprenticeship delivery in hospitality
31 Oct 2012
Employers of all sizes can now take advantage of the latest technology following the launch of an online portal that is set to transform the way apprenticeships in the hospitality industry are delivered.
The integrated programme, Apprentice 1st, allows employers, learners and training providers to access all aspects of an apprenticeship, including coursework, assessments and practical training material, from a single screen online.
The Apprentice 1st programme has received co-investment from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills through the Employer Investment Fund.
Sector skills council, People 1st, worked with training provider Exemplas, to develop the product, which is designed to meet the specific needs of small to medium-sized employers, although it can also be used within larger organisations.
Martine Pullen, head of pre-employment and apprenticeship at People 1st, said that Apprentice 1st aims to address the needs of employers and encourage more businesses to take on apprentices for the benefit of the company and the individuals.
“Research has shown that 45 percent of businesses in hospitality and tourism would consider employing apprentices. We have often been told that barriers, such as paperwork and lack of flexibility, were preventing employers from taking on apprentices so we knew there was a real demand for an online portal like Apprentice 1st.
“By providing access to an apprentice’s progress from one portal, assessors, mentors and employers can get real time and accurate updates on the learner’s progress.
“It also means learners get to spend less time away from the workplace, and more time making the most of the incredible opportunities provided by on-the-job training.”
Apprenticeships provide a great entry route into hospitality for enthusiastic people that want to build a career in the industry. At the same time they are a great way for businesses to develop talented staff.
Martine said that apprenticeships can be delivered in a number of different ways to meet a company’s needs, and in recent years hospitality employers have been increasingly taking on apprentices.
“This is not surprising considering that independent research shows that hospitality apprentices pay for themselves in little over 12 months” she said.
Norman Jennings, director of skills development at Exemplas, encourages businesses of all sizes to embrace the opportunities provided by this innovative platform:
“Apprentice 1st has developed an apprenticeship model that makes the most of the opportunities provided by modern technology – making apprenticeships accessible for both large and small organisations.
“Our e-learning delivery offers employers the choice to deliver traditional apprenticeships as well as develop a bespoke programme that is embedded within their business. This means their apprentices will receive a consistently delivered nationally recognised qualification that is also targeted to their business’ needs.”
Ingrid Newbould, HR director at independent contract caterer Bartlett Mitchell, said that apprenticeships are a critical part of recruitment in hospitality and that the Apprentice 1st model will be invaluable in streamlining the delivery of apprenticeships in the company.
“We have started to offer apprenticeship schemes across our business as we find them a great way to introduce bright and enthusiastic staff into our business. We looked around at products on offer and it was clear that Apprentice 1st is flexible and means we can provide our apprentices with the best possible learning experience.
“The team has made the journey really easy for us to get started. The real focus is on getting good people into work and the training of skills in this scheme is fantastic: just what we were looking for. Using technology to help deliver first class apprenticeships is something that will benefit the whole hospitality industry and encourage more businesses to take up an apprentice: it hits the spot for apprentices.”
Apprentice 1st can offer the following apprenticeship frameworks: Level 2 Professional Cookery, Level 2 Food and Beverage Service, Level 2 Food Production and Cooking, Level 3 Hospitality Supervision and Leadership, Level 4 Hospitality Management and Level 5 Leadership and Management. More frameworks will be added to the product in future.
For more information about Apprentice 1st, and how it can be applied to your business, please contact Apprentice 1st on 01895 817000 or at [email protected], or visit www.apprentice1st.co.uk.
