How Do Hospitality Apprenticeships Work?

What is an apprenticeship?

How apprenticeships work

• On-the-job learning: you will work alongside hospitality professionals who will help support and guide you whilst you earn a wage.
• Structured training: off-the-job training sessions will add depth to your learning, covering the theoretical aspects of your role and industry. Think of it as the perfect balance between practice and theory.
• Qualification: at the end of your apprenticeship journey, you’ll walk away with a nationally recognised qualification. It’s not just a piece of paper – it’s your ticket to endless opportunities.

12 steps to becoming an apprentice

Whether you’re an existing employee or new recruit, your apprenticeship learning journey will roughly follow these 12 steps. Your employer will work in partnership with an apprenticeship training provider, like HIT Training, to deliver your training.

Each employer and training provider will operate a little differently, so these steps are just a guide for you to know what will be expected of you during your apprenticeship.

1. Apply for an apprenticeship. Find an employer you would like to work for and visit their website. With so many employers offering apprenticeships now, there will be a good chance they have apprenticeship opportunities available.
2. Search and apply for an apprenticeship using the National Apprenticeship Service website: www.apprenticeships.gov.uk.
3. Undertake pre-employment or work experience programmes with a hospitality employer which can lead to an apprenticeship. Search through the many career websites available online such as GetMyFirstJob: www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk and Hospitality Jobs UK: www.hospitalityjobsuk.com.
4. Receive your application response.
5. Complete skills assessment – don’t worry, this isn’t as scary as it sounds! Your employer and training provider need to check you’re on the right apprenticeship for your experience level and understand which skills you already have.
6. Confirm your apprenticeship start date.
7. Induction session with your employer’s chosen training provider.
8. Agree your detailed training plan – here you’ll set out a timetable of learning activities in preparation for your End-Point Assessment (EPA).
9. Begin your training – most of your training will take place in your workplace where you’ll learn the ropes from experienced colleagues in the business. You’ll spend a portion of your learning ‘off the job’, this takes place during your normal working hours where you’ll learn new skills, knowledge and behaviours related to your apprenticeship, but outside of your work-related activities. This could include completing e-learning modules, attending a learning workshop, or shadowing a colleague.
10. Regular engagement with your employer’s chosen training provider – you’ll meet regularly with a representative from your employer’s chosen training provider. They’ll be on hand to help you with any areas you’re struggling with and help prepare you for your EPA.
11. Gateway – here, your employer and their chosen training provider will review your knowledge, skills and behaviours to see if you’re ready for your EPA.
12. End-Point Assessment (EPA) – the final stage on your apprenticeship journey. Unique to each apprenticeship, your EPA will test the knowledge, skills and behaviours you’ve gained during your training.

Why complete an apprenticeship in hospitality?