A first for Bristol-based Innovate Awarding – government approved to set exams for new apprenticeship in hospitality

Innovate Awarding is the first organisation to be approved by government’s Skills Funding Agency to assess trainees on one of the new-style hospitality apprenticeships developed by employers.

The Team Member standard which covers a variety of occupations such as hotel receptionists, conference staff or baristas, is the first in a rolling programme of 57 applications to be undertaken by the Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation.

The apprenticeship ‘trailblazers’ represent a major overhaul of the current system in England. The changes include rigorous external testing for each apprentice to ensure they can do the job at the end of their 12 month training programme. Innovate Awarding will provide independent, trained experts to carry out these assessments.

John McNamara, MD of Innovate Awarding, said: “We are proud to be taking such a crucial part in this flagship initiative which will drive up standards in the industry. We are working to provide a service and experience that is ‘best in class’ for the employers and the individual apprentices.”

For further information, call Innovate Awarding on 0117 314 2800.