Following the Government’s announcement of the Richard Review examining the future of apprenticeships in England, People 1st is co-ordinating the sector’s response.
It wants to ensure all employers in the sector have the chance to provide feedback as the Government prepares to reform the future of one of the industry’s key training programmes.
People 1st is holding employer consultation events in Birmingham on August 7 and 8 to gather views.
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.
“This period of review is a once in a generation opportunity for employers to mould the framework that will underpin training for a vast proportion of our workforce.
“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 will be asking employers to express their opinions on all elements of apprenticeships, but in particular it is seeking to understand employer opinion on the proposed minimum term of 12 months for apprenticeships.
Asker-Browne said People 1st believed this was a misguided approach to solving a much wider issue. Instead, the organisation believes that any meaningful solution must address apprenticeship content, delivery and assessment of both training and the broader experience.
To stimulate debate, People 1st recently released a discussion paper that looks at the sector's engagement with and use of apprenticeships at all levels.
Companies unable to attend the event but who wish to contribute to the consultation can email their views to Ruth Asker-Browne or contact her to arrange an interview. She can be reached at ruth.asker-browne@people1st.co.uk.