Foodservice Cateys 2025: Supplier Excellence Award: Umbrella Training

With the hospitality sector facing a chronic workforce crisis, this year’s winner of the Supplier Excellence Award has made it its mission to deliver bespoke, evidence-led apprenticeship training.

Over the past 12 months, Umbrella Training has implemented initiatives that redefine how apprenticeships meet workforce challenges. A key differentiator is its Organisational Needs Analysis (ONA) process, which ensures that every training programme reflects the culture, behaviours and brand identity of the employer. Apprentices don’t just gain capability, they forge a connection to their workplace that improves loyalty, performance and retention. For instance, the 15 apprenticeship pathways it created for caterer CH&Co led to a 32% improvement in retention and 78% of graduates achieving a distinction.

Commis chef apprenticeships were given a technological advantage with three immersive, VR-based training scenarios, developed in partnership with Metaverse Learning. The videos were filmed in Gather & Gather kitchens and simulate real foodservice environments to help learners build their confidence in the kitchen, with early evaluation showing a 70% improvement in knowledge retention compared to 10% via traditional methods.

Another of Umbrella Training’s standout initiatives is its commitment to the Chartered Institute for Further Education’s post-apprenticeship recognition scheme. It is the first provider in the sector to give apprentices post-nominals, enhancing their sense of pride and professional identity, and now clients including CH&Co and Gather & Gather are following suite by giving accreditations to their teams.

In 2024, Umbrella Training launched a Women in Leadership programme with brewer Marston’s, contextualising the Level 4 Hospitality Manager standard to support its women’s network. Within six months, 25% of participants were identified as promotion-ready. After recognising a significant increase in neurodivergent learners, it embedded neurodiversity-friendly content, coaching and tech tools across all its programmes. The systems and trainer development now reflect modern learner needs – something its clients deeply value as inclusivity becomes a core pillar of ESG and HR strategies.

All of Umbrella Training’s efforts are reflected in its programmes’ outcomes, with 78% of apprentices achieving distinctions, 100% reporting satisfaction with their programme, 72% crediting their apprenticeship with their career success and 31% promoted during or shortly after training completion.

In a year still shaped by economic pressures and funding stagnation, Umbrella Training has stayed true to its mission: enabling employers to do more with less, delivering world-class learning experiences and championing the next generation of foodservice professionals. It is therefore no wonder that judges deemed it a bastion of supplier excellence.

Judges’ comments

“Its mission is to enable employers to do more with less. It supports our industry by providing world-class training to future-proof skills and job opportunities.” Jeni Edwards

“Umbrella Training has made a positive impact in developing the next generation of chefs. With 78% of apprentices achieving distinction, we know the future looks more positive with our people and Umbrella Training.” Craig Stewart

“A truly outstanding entry that demonstrates how this business has addressed the chronic workforce challenges faced by our industry. What shines through is this company’s passion for hospitality and how it immerses itself into its clients’ businesses.” Zoe Watts

The shortlist

• Caravan Coffee Roasters
• Lolly
• Nemi Teas
• Raj Foods
• Umbrella Training

See previous winners of the award