Supporting businesses to build, develop and retain skilled workforces

We’re a trusted partner to employers, industry bodies, skills organisations, donor funders, NGOs, investment banks and governments, with over 50 years’ experience in skills development and technical vocational education and training.

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What we can help you with

Workforce insights

Our deep insights into the current and future skills needs are fostered out of the strong relationships we hold with industry to give us real-time intelligence into the workforce disruptions and challenges, innovative approaches and practical solutions industry needs.

Enabling collaboration

We bring together industry, associations, national stakeholders and governments with a passion for skills development to work collaboratively to identify the skills priorities for the sector and create industry-endorsed strategies that develop skilled and valued workforces. The connections we forge between employers and education help align skills to businesses' needs, ensuring an excellent source of future talent.

Skills standards development

We are at the forefront of developing apprenticeship, professional and occupational standards,working with employers to define the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed for today’s workforce. Uniquely, we also support industry in maintaining the ongoing quality of standardsand apprenticeships through robust quality assurance models.

Expert consultancy

Our team of expert international consultants support countries with a true thirst for professional development, who are passionate about helping young people, challenging social and gender exclusion, addressing the barriers to work and supporting continuous professional development of the existing workforce. We specialise in developing Technical & Vocational Education Training(TVET) strategies, helping to set out the strategic direction of skills development at an industry, local, regional or national level.

Practical, responsive solutions

As the industry expert in skills, we offer a wide range of support and sustainable, practical solutions that are developed in collaboration with employers to help businesses maximise the potential of their workforce. Our products and services, such as our WorldHost programme,career pathway tool and suite of training and assessment services are trusted by organisations globally to deliver results through an innovative, human and transformative approach.

Latest news

Bloc Hotel Birmingham awarded Games Ready Business recognition

Bloc Hotel, located in Birmingham’s vibrant Jewellery Quarter, has become the first business in the West Midlands to receive the Games Ready Business recognition in the run up to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

09/05/2022

Professional Certificate in Training Design and Delivery launched, with focus on blended learning

Global specialists in skills development, People 1st International, has launched its brand-new Professional Certificate in Training Design and Delivery to train the next generation of professional trainers.

18/03/2022

Applications closing for fully funded places on Chef Management & Leadership Training Programme

Head chefs and aspiring head chefs have a final opportunity to secure fully funded places on the Chef Management & Leadership Training Programme.

03/03/2022

Almaza Recruitment & Training Centre opens to support those seeking a job in Egypt's retail and hospitality industry

City Centre Almaza hosted the opening of the Almaza Recruitment and Training Centre (ARTC) under the auspices of Her Excellency Dr. Nevine El Kabbaj, the Egyptian Minister of Social Solidarity.

01/03/2022

Giving chefs the skills and confidence needed to engage, support, develop and motivate their teams

As businesses now face intense competition to recruit and retain talent, there’s a heightened need for head chefs and aspiring head chefs to become better people managers and to possess the skills and confidence needed to engage, support, develop and motivate their teams.

27/04/2022

Rebuilding for the future in hospitality with apprenticeships

As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2022, hospitality businesses are continuing to welcome easing of restrictions. And as the industry begins to rebuild this presents compelling new opportunities for those seeking a career in hospitality.

09/02/2022

Retail apprenticeships: Boosting retention, productivity and social mobility

Retailers across the UK are facing significant operational challenges as attempts to fill positions and retain talent has become more expensive and competitive. As businesses have been forced to reshape operations, many have also been looking at how they can proactively upskill their workforce and build the future talent pipeline.

08/02/2022

Apprenticeships set to deliver the future skills needed in aviation

The aviation industry has faced immense challenges over the last two years. With flights grounded, borders closed and travel restrictions in place, the UK alone saw arrivals between April 2020 to October 2021, on average, around 85% lower than levels seen prior to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Whilst this left the industry paying a high price with a significant number of job losses, 2022 sees hopes rising for airline travel to bounce back as restrictions ease, consumer confidence builds and bookings increase.

07/02/2022