People 1st urges employers to express views on hospitality apprenticeships
People 1st, the Sector Skills Council for the hospitality industry, has called for employers to express their views on how they wish apprenticeships to be shaped to help them deliver a skilled workforce for the industry.
The call came after the Government announced the Richard Review examining the future of apprenticeships in England.
People 1st is taking the lead in co-ordinating the sector's response to ensure all employers in the hospitality sector have the chance to provide feedback.
It will hold employer consultation events in Birmingham on 7 and 8 August.
Ruth Asker-Browne, head of professionalism at People 1st, said: "Apprenticeships are of growing value to the hospitality sector. Between the 2009-10 financial year and 2010-11 financial year, apprenticeships increased by almost 40%, from 21,500 to 29,800, with the number continuing to rise.
"It is imperative that employers use this chance to be heard. We urge employers to attend the consultation event to ensure their point of view is captured and incorporated into what is likely to become the sector's key document of reference for the review."
People 1st said it was asking employers to express their opinions on all elements of apprenticeships. In particular it is seeking to understand employer opinion on the proposed minimum term of 12 months for apprenticeships.
It said it thought this was a misguided approach to trying to solve a much wider issue. Instead, it believes that the Government must address apprenticeship content, delivery and assessment of both training and the broader experience.
The event is being held at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham City Centre, Smallbrook Queensway, B5 4EW
Ruth Asker-Browne can be reached at ruth.asker-browne@people1st.co.uk.
By Neil Gerrard
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