Attracting, growing and retaining local talent is essential in the hospitality industry. As the sector evolves, the need for skilled professionals to meet industry demands grows stronger. Vocational training plays an important role in addressing this challenge, ensuring that the next generation of hospitality professionals has the right skills to succeed.

To shine a light on the quality of the training provided in colleges across the UK, our industry-led accreditation scheme for hospitality recognises colleges that are working well with employers – allowing them to influence the curriculum so it meets industry needs and develops partnerships that benefit learners.

This employer-led approach drives the quality of full-time provision and recognises colleges that are innovative, flexible and reflect businesses’ needs, ensuring they are an excellent source of future talent for the industry.

At the latest accreditation employer panel meeting, industry members evaluated and approved accreditations for the following colleges:

• Cambridge Regional College – Gold Accreditation
• Cardiff & Vale College – Gold Accreditation and Centre of Excellence for Food & Beverage Service
• Exeter College – Gold Accreditation and Centre of Excellence for Food & Beverage Service
• Newcastle College – Gold Accreditation
• New College Durham – Gold Accreditation
• Wiltshire College – Silver Accreditation

Through our collaboration with AA Hospitality, the sought-after recognition also opens the opportunity for training restaurants within colleges to gain and an AA College Rosette, mirroring the current industry AA recognition for culinary excellence. The following college restaurants have recently achieved this recognition:

• @34 Restaurant, Exeter College – Highly Commended
• Chef’s Academy, Newcastle College – Highly Commended
• The Copper Pot, New College Durham – Award
• Seasons Restaurant, Cambridge Regional College – Highly Commended
• The Classroom, Cardiff & Vale College – Highly Commended
• The Wessex, Wiltshire College – Salisbury – Award
• The White Horse, Wiltshire College – Trowbridge – Award

To encourage employers to engage with their local accredited colleges to foster effective partnerships that support the development of future talent, we’re proud to announce a powerful new partnership with HR in Hospitality. The partnership directly connects People 1st International accredited colleges with employer members of HR in Hospitality. Our mission is to bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring students enter the workforce fully prepared for long-term, fulfilling careers, while addressing the hospitality industry’s ever-growing talent needs.

Join us on Tuesday, 29th April at The Standard Hotel to find out more about this exciting new partnership and how you can get involved.