The BII (British Institute of Innkeeping) and the Hospitality Guild have joined forces to introduce a clearly structured career pathway for employees in the licensed trade, highlighting hospitality as a credible profession for talented, ambitious individuals.
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 strong managers and leaders in hospitality.
From GCSE to degree level
Research published by People 1st, the Office for National Statistics and UK Commission for Employment and Skills shows that only 25% of publicans and managers of licensed premises are qualified to Level 4 or above compared to an average of 61% of managers across the UK economy. The scheme will address this issue by creating easily accessible pathways which will facilitate the up-skilling of the workforce, raising general standards of training and education within the industry from Level 2 (equivalent to a GCSE) to at least a Level 4 (foundation degree level).
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.
Direct impact on standards
BII CEO 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.”
The Voluntary Licence to Practise at Levels 2 and 3 is now available, with the Level 4 following in 2014.
For more information on the Voluntary Licence to Practise qualifications or accreditation contact qualifications@bii.org