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 and 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.
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 three years of management experience.
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 apprenticeship include advanced leadership development, diving deeper into strategic areas like financial and change management.
Also included is training on sustainability, diversity and multimedia resources.
Micaela Barlow, quality and curriculum director at HIT Training, said: ”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.”
The Level 5 apprenticeship lasts for 18 months and full funding can be arranged through employers. Each apprentice is assigned a specialist hospitality vocational trainer to provide professional support, and the end point assessment (EPA) includes a professional discussion, based on the apprentice’s evidence portfolio, and a written project report with presentation and questions.
On successful completion of the programme, apprentices will be equipped with the diverse skills and knowledge required to meet the unique needs of the hospitality sector.
For more information, visit HIT Training's website.
