There is a New STAR in The Hospitality Industry

HIT Training and CPL Training have combined forces to launch a new virtual learning environment, providing on-the-go access to high-quality learning facilities for hospitality apprentices. STAR, which stands for Support Training Assessment Resources, is the first of its kind in the apprenticeship training industry and has been built specifically to match the requirements of the Apprenticeship Levy and new apprenticeship standards.

The learning platform has three main components, an intranet with access to news feeds and social media, a suite of learning resources and supporting documentation, and an online portfolio where apprentices can record their progress. There is also a messaging system and online forums which can be used as virtual classrooms or for peer-to-peer support.

Using digital technology, STAR enables different styles of learning and all tasks are mapped to the new apprenticeship standards criteria. Apprentices can upload their course material to their STAR ePortfolio and share with their HIT trainer for feedback and to be used as evidence towards their qualification. Specifically designed activities have also been developed to help apprentices prepare for their end point assessment.

Speaking about the launch of STAR, Catherine Whittaker, VLE Coordinator at HIT Training, said: “HIT is a company built on sound knowledge and understanding of the hospitality sector. The whole team has been involved in the development and launch of STAR, from specialist leads writing material to support apprentices and quality assessors training our delivery teams, to individuals coming on-board to test the system and assisting the core STAR team.

“STAR is a completely unique virtual learning platform that is simple to use, yet built using complex data to enable real-time analysis of the apprentices’ progress – providing insight on how we can support them further. We’ve developed STAR in partnership with CPL to provide our apprentices with all the resources they need at the touch of a button, from their initial signup through to their end point assessment. Together with CPL, we’re passionate about the learning experience and the system we’ve produced.”

Daniel Davies, Chief Executive of CPL Training Group, added: “STAR is an innovative, new platform which is set to revolutionise the delivery of HIT’s apprenticeships. It’s been developed in a way that maximises user experience and real-time engagement, allowing apprentices to contribute to forums, receive trainer feedback, and upload learning evidence.

“The STAR platform is demonstrative of HIT’s mission to provide only the best apprenticeships for clients and their employees, helping to create a skilled, high calibre hospitality workforce. We’re delighted to have worked on this project for HIT, and we look forward to building on our working relationship.”

STAR is now available to all Hospitality Team Member, Commis Chef and Team Leader apprentices, with a continued roll-out for all hospitality standards throughout early 2018. For more information, please visit https://hittraining.co.uk/ or contact a HIT representative on 0800 093 5892.