New Graduate Apprenticeship Launched to Build Future Hospitality Leaders

A new five-year Hospitality Graduate Apprenticeship programme has been launched by UKHospitality and HIT Training to create a clear pathway into leadership and secure the sector’s future talent pipeline.

The programme has been designed in direct response to industry concerns that the leadership pipeline is running dry, with very few structured routes in place to develop tomorrow’s leaders. Working closely with employers, the programme provides a sustainable solution for attracting, developing, and retaining ambitious individuals in hospitality.

A clear pathway from first role to senior leadership

Over the course of five years, apprentices will progress through three nationally recognised apprenticeships:

• Level 3 Supervising Hospitality – building core supervisory and team leadership skills.
• Level 5 Hospitality Operations Manager – developing the capability to lead multi-department operations.
• Level 7 Senior Hospitality Leader – preparing for strategic leadership roles at the top of the sector.

Graduates of the programme will achieve a Masters-level qualification, Chartered Manager (CMgr) status with the Chartered Management Institute, and valuable industry experience that equips them for long-term leadership careers.

Benefits for employers and apprentices

The programme is fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy and offers employers a cost-effective way to build a sustainable leadership pipeline while reducing recruitment costs and improving retention. Apprentices benefit from earning a salary while they learn, gaining three nationally recognised qualifications, Chartered Manager status, and the chance to develop real-world skills with the support of HIT trainers and workplace mentors.

Industry backing

Allen Simpson, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said:

“Hospitality offers fantastic career opportunities and pathways into leadership, and this new programme is an incredible opportunity for ambitious people who want an exciting career in hospitality.

“There is significant value for employers, too, who will benefit from its cost-saving potential, given the programme is funded through the Apprenticeship Levy, and improving staff retention.”

David Everett, Apprenticeship Manager at Shepherd Neame, said:

“As Britain’s oldest brewer, we recognise the importance of investing in people to secure the future of our industry. The Hospitality Graduate Apprenticeship Programme provides exactly the kind of structured, long-term pathway that has been missing in hospitality. We’re proud to be among the first to place an apprentice on the programme in January, helping to shape the next generation of leaders.”

Jill Whittaker, Executive Chair, HIT Training, said:

“We’ve worked closely with UKHospitality and employers across the sector to design a programme that responds to real business needs.
“This pathway is about creating long-term leaders who understand the industry from the ground up. It’s a win-win for apprentices and employers alike.”

Joanna Kurowska, VP & Managing Director, UK and Ireland at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said:

“The Hospitality Graduate Apprenticeship programme will see us welcome the next generation of talented and curious individuals into the hospitality industry and help passionate individuals grow into confident leaders.

“By offering apprentices a fully funded pathway with valuable skills, qualifications, and a clear progression route – from their first supervisory role through to senior leadership – we can support long-term development, help businesses nurture and retain the talent they need, and ensure we continue to attract and keep the very best people in our industry.”

Find out more

Employers who want to be part of the programme, or parents and apprentices keen to explore the opportunity, can visit hittraining.co.uk/graduate or call HIT Training on 0800 093 5892.