Accreditation

Elevate standards in vocational training with our hospitality college accreditation

Show employers, potential students and parents that your full-time provision is among the best in the country, and that it’s been endorsed by a panel of employers as being innovative, flexible and reflecting businesses’ needs.

Get recognised for your provision

As the demand for skilled workers continues to grow, it’s more important than ever to cultivate the future talent pipeline armed with the necessary knowledge, skills, and behaviours that employers are looking for.

Vocational education and training colleges play a vital role in making this happen. Those that hold effective partnerships with industry and offer demand-led education and training help build stronger career prospects for students and a more efficient workforce.

Leadership concept of being unique and the best

How we can help

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.

Accreditation

Our accreditation recognises colleges that deliver excellent full-time or classroom-based hospitality training and qualifications. It also highlights colleges that are working well with employers – allowing them to influence the curriculum so it meets industry needs and develops partnerships that benefit learners. Your college will be recognised at Gold or Silver level.

Recognition as a Centre of Excellence

If your college excels in the delivery of specific skills you can also apply for Centre of Excellence status. This helps to increase employers’ confidence that their needs will be met in specialist areas through clear development pathways and direct links to industry. Colleges and providers must be silver, or gold accredited to apply for Centre of Excellence status.

AA College Rosette

Once you’re accredited, your college restaurant can apply to be assessed by the AA and could receive an AA College Rosette. Developed by People 1st International and AA Hotel Services, the scheme recognises college restaurants for the quality of the food they produce and the level of service they deliver.

AA College Restaurant of the Year

Become an accredited college and you could be the next recipient of this prestigious award – part of one of the biggest events on the hospitality industry calendar! Launched in partnership by People 1st International and AA Hotel Services, the AA College Restaurant of the Year award recognises the hard work of chef lecturers and student brigades that run college restaurants.

Benefits of becoming accredited

Be seen as the ‘best of the best’ by employers: When employers see the People 1st International accreditation badge, they will know that you work well with businesses.
Identify how you rate against criteria set by employers: Identify how well you’re performing and receive a detailed report highlighting your strengths and areas for improvement.
Stay ahead of the curve: Stay up to date with employer needs, industry standards and share best practice and network with other providers at our strategic forums.

Apply for an AA College Rosette for your college restaurant: An exclusive opportunity to apply for this prestigious award, which can only be awarded to People 1st International accredited colleges and creates fantastic PR and commercial opportunities.
Enter the AA College Restaurant of the Year Award: This national award, part of the AA’s annual Hospitality Awards, is only open to People 1st International accredited colleges. The award gives colleges an unprecedented opportunity to put their restaurants well and truly on the map!

“Accreditation has been a game-changer for our college. Since achieving gold status, we’ve seen a significant rise in employer engagement. Employers recognise the value of our accreditation, and they’re eager to partner with us to recruit our students when they complete their courses. We’ve also seen a 10% increase in student enrolment, a clear sign that parents and students alike value the quality education we provide. We’re proud to be recognised for our excellence, and we’re confident that it will continue to attract top students and employers alike.” Vicki Quilter, Faculty Head, Basingstoke College of Technology.

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