Few sectors shape our daily lives and our festive celebrations quite like Hospitality and Catering. From the warm seasonal welcome in a local pub, to the extra care poured into making the perfect winter coffee, to the precision behind every special holiday dining experience, this industry brings people together and plays a vital role in the UK’s social life and economy.
At BIIAB, we see Hospitality and Catering not simply as a network of businesses, but as a vibrant, close-knit community built on passion, professionalism, and people, especially during a season that revolves around togetherness. That’s why we’re committed to supporting the sector with high-quality qualifications and apprenticeship standards that empower learners with the skills employers need and the confidence to shine, now and throughout their career.
A Sector Built on Skills, Service, and Seasonal Spirit
Hospitality and Catering stand among the UK’s most dynamic and vibrant industries, employing millions and offering exciting pathways for people from every background. Whether it’s front-of-house service bringing festive cheer to guests, bar teams creating seasonal favourites, or professional kitchens cooking up memorable holiday dishes, the sector is full of opportunity for career progression and personal fulfilment. Of course, like many industries, hospitality continues to navigate its own challenges, including skills gaps, recruitment pressures, and evolving customer expectations, especially during the busy Christmas period when demand is at its peak. That’s where BIIAB comes in. We work closely with employers, training providers, and industry experts to ensure training remains relevant, robust, and ready for the real world, supporting the sector not just at Christmas, but all year round.
Safety and Security: Protecting People and Places
The festive season brings joy and celebration, but it also calls for heightened safety awareness. Initiatives, such as Stamp Out Spiking and Ask for Angela, are vital to creating safe spaces for customers and staff alike. Stamp Out Spiking focuses on raising awareness and providing practical measures to prevent drink spiking, a growing concern in social settings. Meanwhile, Ask for Angela offers a discreet way for individuals to seek help if they feel unsafe, empowering staff to respond quickly and effectively. These programs are more than policies; they’re commitments to care and community.
In addition, Martyn’s Law is shaping the future of venue security by requiring businesses to have robust plans in place to protect people from potential threats. For hospitality venues, this means implementing training and procedures that ensure preparedness without compromising the welcoming atmosphere guests expect. By embracing these initiatives, the sector demonstrates its dedication to safety, trust, and responsibility. Values that matter more than ever during the festive season. We will soon be launching an online course that explains the key requirements of this legislation and how it applies to public premises and events – so watch this space or get in touch to find out more…
How BIIAB Supports Hospitality & Catering Success
Our range of Hospitality and Catering qualifications is created with input from industry experts, meaning learners pick up practical, transferable skills, from excellent customer service and food safety to leadership and team management. The festive season is one of the busiest and most demanding periods for the sector, and having a well-trained, licensed workforce is essential. With increased customer footfall, seasonal events, and extended operating hours, businesses must operate with heightened awareness of legal responsibilities and best practices. Training in these areas helps protect both customers and staff while supporting smooth and compliant operations.
Supporting Employers to Grow Their Teams
We understand how tough it is for employers to find and keep skilled staff. That’s why we focus on making qualifications and apprenticeships that are practical, flexible, and tailored to current industry needs.
BIIAB also offers helpful guidance through resource documents and advice from dedicated Relationship Managers to ensure training meets regulatory requirements.
Why Now’s the Time to Invest in Hospitality Skills
The sector is constantly evolving, with new technology, sustainability goals, and consumer habits shaping menus and service. Investing in training helps build a more resilient, innovative, and future-ready team.
For learners, Hospitality and Catering offer:
- Job security in a busy sector
- Opportunities to move up quickly
- Transferable skills that can open doors worldwide
- A rewarding, people-focused career
For employers, developing talent means stronger teams, better service, and improved business results.
Let’s Shape the Future Together
We’re proud to support you in shaping the next generation of Hospitality and Catering stars. Our qualifications and apprenticeship standards give learners the skills they need to succeed.
Some of our most popular industry-leading qualifications include:
- Level 1 Award in Essentials of Catering: BIIAB
- Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders: BIIAB
- Level 2 Award in Awareness of Spiking: BIIAB
- Level 3 Award in Supervising Food Safety in Catering: BIIAB
We’re also proud to offer End-Point Assessments (EPAs) for a variety of apprenticeship standards, designed to develop talent at all levels. These include:
- Level 2 Hospitality Team Member: BIIAB
- Level 2 Commis Chef (v1.4): BIIAB
- Level 3 Pastry Chef (v1.0): BIIAB
- Level 4 Hospitality Manager: BIIAB
Each standard helps apprentices build practical skills and key behaviours needed to deliver fantastic experiences which both employers and customers increasingly expect.
If you would like to explore our Hospitality and Catering qualifications and apprenticeships, or need advice on how to get started, we’re here to help!
Get in touch with your Relationship Manager if you’re an existing Centre or email us at BGandM@skillsedugroup.co.uk if you’re new to us!