Sector access to foundation apprenticeships secured

December 8, 2025

UKHospitality has welcomed the sector’s inclusion in the expansion of foundation apprenticeships, announced by the Government this weekend.

Previously, hospitality had been left out of the proposals but its work with Government to make the case for hospitality’s inclusion has ensured the sector is now included, alongside the sectors that form part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy.

As a key employer of young people, hospitality businesses will now be able to benefit from the scheme, which is aimed at boosting the number of 16 to 24-year olds taking up apprenticeships. A number which new figures show has fallen by almost 40% in the past decade.

Hospitality access secured

The expansion will include new foundation-level apprenticeships in hospitality and the removal of the 5% levy on apprentices for under-25s – saving businesses money. We have worked closely with members, HIT Training and OCN London to develop a ready-to-go foundation apprenticeship, which was a key part of hospitality securing access to the expansion.

The Hospitality Skills Passport, created by UKHospitality to enable new employees to demonstrate completion of a universal entry standard recognised across the sector, will also be integrated into the new apprenticeships.

Graduates of the hospitality Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs), launched earlier this year, will also be able to benefit. On completion of a SWAP, those of an eligible age will be able to enrol in a foundation apprenticeship and would be the recommended route into long-term employment, offering the most structure and support.

Our response

Kate Nicholls, Chair of UKHospitality, said: “This is clear recognition within the Government’s skills policy that hospitality is a vital employer of young people and key to getting people of all ages into employment, offering rewarding work, vital core skills, and swift career progression.

“Being included alongside the Industrial Strategy sectors is proof that the Government must go beyond those sectors to achieve its goals.

However, we continue to find our ability to deliver on these goals stymied by soaring costs, chief among them the recent hike in business rates, which our analysis shows will hit hospitality businesses disproportionately with eye-watering increases.

“We need the Government to recognise this and to act to avoid this looming catastrophe. Only then hospitality operators will be able to invest and drive job creation in every corner of the UK.”