HIT Training Raises the Standard
Spearheading the development of apprenticeships in the industry, HIT Training it is the first national hospitality training provider to deliver the new apprenticeship standards for Commis Chef and Hospitality Team Member, which were developed by the Apprenticeship Trailblazer Group and came into effect from 1st August 2016.
The standards, which have recently been approved by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), will replace the current Level 2 apprenticeship frameworks HIT Training provides and offer the most up-to-date training; making the qualifications relevant and in-line with the requirements and demands of the fast-paced Hospitality Sector.
Unlike the old frameworks, the new standards will focus on an end assessment, which the apprentices will work towards and prepare for, over the 12 months of the programme.
Speaking about the company’s decision to offer the new standards from 1st August, rather than waiting until 2017/18 when all apprenticeship starts will have to be switched over to the new system, Jill Whittaker, Managing Director of HIT Training, said:
“While the standards bring about many benefits, not least in helping to raise talent levels and lessen the skills gap, employers will be especially pleased to hear that they also offer greater flexibility. This means that now businesses can decide exactly what training and development to use to help team members grow, and whether this is done through a training provider or managed internally. With greater flexibility comes greater progression opportunities for new and existing team members – which is really what it’s all about for all of us at HIT Training, helping people to achieve their goals and continue to innovative in the industry.”
The Hospitality Team Member Apprenticeship covers all types of outlets from school catering to fine dining, and is suitable for all hospitality staff. The Commis Chef standard is aimed at those cooking in fine dining restaurants, as well as any other establishment or catering outlet which serves freshly prepared and cooked foods. This includes production kitchens, events catering and any sites catering for employees, clients or customers. The Commis Chef standard is supported by HIT Training’s professionally run and developed Chef Academies across the country, where it provides professional chef skills development in small groups away from the workplace.
The Apprenticeship Trailblazer Group is made up of over 20 employers across the Hospitality Industry including Hilton Worldwide, Compass Group UK&I and the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, as well as training providers and Industry associations, and was established to develop seven new apprenticeship standards. In addition to the Commis Chef and Hospitality Team Leader, which are the first to be approved by the Government, the Group is working on standards for Chef de Partie, Senior Production Chef, Senior Culinary Chef, Hospitality Supervisor and Hospitality Manager which HIT Training will also offer when available.
For more information on HIT Training, please visit: hittraining.co.uk
