HIT Training develops UK’s first Level 5 Hospitality Operations Manager Apprenticeship


Leading hospitality and catering training provider HIT Training has introduced a Level 5 Hospitality tailored Operations Manager Apprenticeship, which will equip future leaders with essential, multi-operational skills that meet the fast-evolving demands of the hospitality industry. Now open for enrolment, the 18-month programme is the first operational management apprenticeship to be specifically adapted for the hospitality industry. If you are looking to advance your career or searching for hospitality apprenticeships near me, this programme raises the standard for training hospitality leaders who can deliver real impact for their employers.

The Level 5 Hospitality Operations Manager Apprenticeship was developed by HIT Training in direct response to the challenges of the current Level 4 Hospitality Manager Apprenticeship, which achieved a national completion rate of just 29% – far below the 62% minimum benchmark. Compared to the Level 4 Hospitality Manager programme, the Level 5 apprenticeship offers a far more comprehensive approach to training, with greater flexibility and enhanced support to mitigate the current high failure rates and drive successful outcomes for both learners and employers.

Unlike Level 4, which has been criticised for its restrictive assessment structure, the Level 5 programme is designed to align more closely with the practical needs of today’s hospitality sector, particularly by addressing critical gaps in leadership, strategic management and operational knowledge – creating a pathway to building a broader and deeper skill set. Apprentices who successfully complete the programme can register as full members with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), putting them on the journey to Chartered Manager status after 3 years of management experience.

Through the Level 5 programme, learners are equipped with real-world skills to manage multi-site operations and lead high-performing teams. For employers, the Level 5 apprenticeship offers a tangible return on investment by producing capable leaders who can make immediate, measurable contributions to the business.

Key Advantages of the Level 5 Hospitality Operations Manager Apprenticeship:

● Advanced Leadership Development: The Level 5 programme dives deeper into strategic areas like financial and change management, team leadership and effective talent management. Apprentices are equipped to address high turnover rates through strong onboarding practices, multicultural team management, supporting the development of junior staff undertaking a chef apprenticeship, and maintaining service standards. These skills prepare them for complex roles that drive real impact within hospitality.

● Industry-Relevant, Ethical Training: Each module integrates the latest in sustainability and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity (EDI), preparing learners to lead with integrity and meet the growing demand for responsible practices in hospitality.

● Flexible Learning for Immediate Impact: Designed for the hospitality workforce, this programme offers flexible, practical learning options like multimedia resources, peer problem-solving, and data-driven operational training. Apprentices gain skills in advanced hospitality software, revenue management and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project management – applying these tools in real-time to create immediate value for their employers.

Micaela Barlow, Quality and Curriculum Director at HIT Training, commented:

“We know that staffing challenges are a major concern for hospitality operators, and they need to be confident their investment in training programmes pays off. That’s why, through engaging with employers and learners, HIT Training has developed the UK’s first tailored Level 5 Hospitality Operations Manager Apprenticeship, which directly addresses the issues raised. Unlike Level 4, which has faced low completion rates due to its restrictive end point assessment requirements, our Level 5 programme offers an accessible yet rigorous path that reflects the true complexity of the hospitality industry. By building practical skills and delivering essential leadership training, we’re enabling our apprentices to drive real change within their organisations and achieve meaningful career progression. We’re confident that our Level 5 programme offers exactly what the industry needs to thrive and addresses the issues hospitality businesses have been facing to date.”


Gravetye Manor chef takes the top spot in Young National Chef of the Year

HIT’s exciting brewing competition is back for 2024

There’s No Age Limit to Invaluable Training

Culture of Craft – The Rise of the Craft Apprenticeship

The Real Barrier to Exceptional Hospitality Isn’t What You Think

HIT Training welcomes Government’s Fully Funded Apprenticeship Initiative for Small Businesses

Sodexo Culinary Academy focuses on inspiring and elevating chefs at every level

Introducing the Executive Development Network (EDN)

HIT Training Ltd strengthens its board with four new Directors

Helping Neurodiverse Professionals Succeed in Hospitality

The Young National Chef of the Year Finalists Have Been Revealed

Three Ways to Keep your Staff Motivated and Inspired During Lockdown 3.0

HIT Training launches Hospitality employer call to action as ‘First Job. Future Career.’ campaign champions better opportunities for the next generation.

HIT celebrates new tri-nation partnership

From First Job to Future Career

HIT Training Ltd announces new Managing Director Mike Worley

HIT Heroes Award Winners 2022

Rising stars named in prestigious Young National Chef of the Year semi-final line-up

HIT Training Ltd Wins Excellence in English and Maths Skills Development at the Apprenticeship and Training Awards

New National Chef of the Year is unveiled in front of industry elite

HIT Training Elevates Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion by Becoming Patrons of the Multicultural Apprenticeship Alliance

Update to our company name

Employer Newsletter – We’re here to stay

Institute of Hospitality and HIT Training Invest in the Industry’s Future

The Clink Charity identifies first candidates for in-prison apprenticeships in partnership with HIT Training

HIT Training Ltd Signs New Business Drive to Help The Nation Through COVID-19 Crisis

HIT Training Recognised at the Foodservice Cateys 2018

HIT Untapped competition: Meet the 2026 Stars of Brewing

New movement to tackle gender inequality in the kitchen

HIT Training Ltd Wins Prestigious Apprenticeship Provider of the Year Award for the Second Consecutive Year

Educate Your Team on the Mental Health Benefits of Food

HIT’s Executive Chair Jill Whittaker OBE wins award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Industry’

Leading the Way: Long Awaited Production Chef Apprenticeship is Launched

Creating a Learn-it-All Culture

Jill Whittaker, Managing Director of HIT Training Ltd, Awarded OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours

HIT Training Ltd Celebrates Prestigious Gold Membership of The 5% Club for Second Year Running

There is a New Star in the Hospitality Industry

HIT Launches New Fish Friers Apprenticeship

It’s official – our SEND pilot is now permanent!

What we Can Learn from the Industry About Infection Control

Championing Change in Functional Skills

HIT Training Ltd moves to employee ownership

Supporting Employers During the Economic Recovery

HIT Heroes Winners Unveiled in Celebration Event

HIT Training First to Launch New Qualification for Health and Social Care Sector

It’s Time to Take Unnecessary Food Waste off the Menu

How to Inspire Young People to Choose a Career in Hospitality

Chopping Boards to Boardrooms: The Benefits of Apprenticeships at Any Career Stage

HIT Training LTD Receives Royal Recognition for Outstanding Training Impact

HIT produces 1500 free meals on National Hospitality Day

Why we Need Apprenticeships to Build the Future

National Apprenticeship Awards 2020 – Open for Entries!

Access Global Opportunities for Your Apprentices

HIT Heroes Award Winners 2023

Functional Skills: The Cornerstone of Apprenticeships

HIT Training Apprentice Becomes First to Achieve New Hospitality Supervisor Apprenticeship

Protecting the Future of the Sector: Hospitality Businesses Pledge to Fund Apprenticeships Outside Their Organisation

New Principal appointed to HIT Chef Academy

Britain’s First Job Problem: Why Career Starter Sectors Matter

HIT Training Launches Suite of Training Courses and Workshops to Upskill Hospitality Teams

Winners of Fired Up and Un-Tapped Apprentice Competitions 2023 announced

How to Minimise Kitchen Food Waste

Apprentices Make History After Completing the UK’s First Ever Brewer Apprenticeship

What is the Apprenticeship Levy?

Integrating Plant Based Food into your Menu

Harness the Power of Plant Based: One Bite at a Time

Time to Open up About Mental Health During COVID-19

Omicron and COVID Plan B Update

Join us for a summer of learning at HIT Training!

Making 2022 The ‘Year of Retention’

Developing an Apprenticeship Strategy

Hospitality Apprenticeships Week 2021 to Showcase Industry as #Morethanajob

HIT partners with Hospitality Jobs UK to form new recruitment partnership

HIT’s UnTapped Brewer Competition is back for 2025

How to Offer a Degree Apprenticeship for Employers

Introducing the New Normal for HIT’s Apprenticeship Delivery

Three Signs your Employees are Reaching Burnout – and How to Support Them

HIT Training Ltd Earns Prestigious Gold Membership in The 5% Club

HIT Training launches intelligent apprenticeship recruitment service for hospitality and retail, in partnership with urfuture

The Opportunity Provider (TOP) ranked 28th in The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers

Working together with the New Government

Center Parcs Celebrates Apprentice Trailblazers

Don’t Waste: The Future of Hospitality

Alex Angelogiannis wows judges to take top spot in National Chef of the Year competition

Jill Whittaker Takes Top Honour at the 2024 Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards

We’re Unmasking Talent in the Hospitality Industry with the Launch of the HIT Heroes Awards

Jill makes Public Sector Catering’s ‘Most Influential’ list

Hospitality Apprenticeship Showcase 2021 goes Online

HIT Training Receives Matrix Accreditation

Meet our six Salon Culinaire apprentices!

‘Forward with Marcus Wareing’ programme expands following huge success

The Future Hospitality Workforce: What Will it Look Like Following COVID-19?

All Change – It’s Time to Reserve Your Apprenticeship Funding!

Flavour of Success at The Restaurant Show

The Apprenticeship Levy One Year on

The Benefits of Learning at Work for your Business and Workforce

Boost Your Mental Health Through Small Acts of Kindness

Sodexo partners with HIT to gift £250k of levy to support hospitality apprentices

Brewer Apprenticeship Graduation Event: Celebrating Brewing Talent and Achievement

Mental Health Awareness Week – Dealing with Anxiety

Sign up to news, events and great resources