Gov urged to ‘simplify and streamline’ post-16 qualifications

03-May-2022 - Last updated on 03-May-2022 at 15:49 GMT

Creating a talent pipeline: UKH responds to Gov's consultation into post-16 qualifications (Getty/ 10'000 Hours)

UKHospitality (UKH) has urged Government to “simplify and streamline” post-16 qualifications to build a talent pipeline for the future.

This comes after the Department for Education’s consultation into Post-16 Qualifications At Level 2 and Below, which ran from 2 March to 27 April 2022, and aimed to “transform the outdated perceptions of technical education in England”, wrote the apprenticeships and skills minister Alex Burghart.

UKH chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “With more than 8,000 qualifications for students at Level 2 and below in England – including more than 200 for hospitality and catering – UKH believes it is essential to simplify and streamline the system.

Clear paths for progression

“This will aid students to make informed choices from a range of options that suit their individual needs and therefore set them up for success in their future careers. It will also be easier for businesses to interpret.”

Nicholls believed the re-evaluation was an opportunity to ensure every qualification had a clear, distinct purpose and clear progression routes. She also said it could drive changes that improved social mobility, further inclusion and open up more opportunities for young people to transition from education into further studying or employment.

This was a statement echoed by young people undertaking hospitality apprentices. 24-year-old Alex Clitherow, who was undertaking a level three hospitality team member apprenticeship, told The Morning Advertiser operators needed to make clear how apprentices could progress.

Building a talent pipeline

“A lot of people get put off by the thought of being paid minimum wage and unable to move forwards,” he said, “but, if it’s shown that you can progress, that’s appealing to people who don’t want to get stuck.”

In addition, Nicholls thought employers would benefit from such changes, which would create a clearer skills system based on employer needs and standards.

She concluded: “UKH is excited to engage with the Government on this review. We’re in an excellent position to support our member employers to influence and collaborate through this consultation, in order to build an integrated skills system and talent pipeline for the future.”