There are plenty of ways to get into and to develop your career in the hospitality industry. Emily Mellows tells us more about hospitality qualifications.
Vocational training
Vocational qualifications include National Diplomas (BTECs), NVQs, VRQs, SVQs, CVETs and IVQs they are available at all levels right up to Foundation Degree. All vocational qualifications are practical in nature and develop and assess your skills ready for work.
National Diplomas are knowledge based and do not require you to necessarily demonstrate your competency in the same way as an NVQ does.
Higher National Certificates and Higher National Diplomas are higher education qualifications are also heavily based around work experience and are good for those seeking higher up positions within the hospitality industry. They usually last one or two years if you study full time.
A Foundation Degree is a vocational degree which will often take two or more years to complete. This degree gives you great flexibility as you can extend your course to gain a full honours degree or go into full time employment
HNC – Higher National Certificates
HND – Higher National Diplomas
NVQ – National Vocational Qualifications are competency based. They are based on national occupational standards.
VRQ – Vocationally Related Qualifications are linked to specific areas of employment.
SVQ – Scottish Vocational Qualifications work in much the same way as NVQs and are available in Scotland.
CVET - CVETs are Welsh continuing qualifications linked to occupational competencies in the same was as NVQs are.
IVQs – International Vocational Qualifications are designed especially for the international marketplace.
Hospitality apprenticeships
In 2015/16 there were over 33,000 apprentice starters in the hospitality sector. These included apprentices in hospitality management, hospitality and catering and licensed hospitality.
You could apply for an intermediate apprenticeship, advanced apprenticeship or higher apprenticeship depending on your current qualifications and experience.
Graduate apprenticeships are perfect for those who already have a degree in another subject and want to gain some relevant knowledge of the hospitality industry.
Academic and professional learning
A Bachelor’s Degree can be studied at a college or university and usually takes three or four years. Studying for a degree is an option after any Level 3 or above qualification.
Institute of Hospitality qualifications
The Institute of Hospitality offers a wide range of hospitality qualifications, many of which focus on helping you develop hospitality management skills.
To find out more about careers in hospitality visit www.caterer.com
