UK Hospitality Skills Passport Launches to Boost Careers and Support Employers – OCN London Proud to Be a Key Partner

OCN London is delighted to announce the official launch of the UKHospitality Skills Passport, a landmark initiative developed by UKHospitality, in partnership with OCN London, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and Jobcentre Plus (JCP).

This employer-led initiative aims to transform how people enter and progress within the vibrant and dynamic hospitality industry. Through the ‘Hospitality Skills Passport’ Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP), jobseekers will gain and be recognised for the essential knowledge, skills and behaviours employers value most – helping to build sustainable pipelines of talent while unlocking opportunities for people from all walks of life.

About the Hospitality Skills Passport

The Hospitality Skills Passport is a digital accreditation that demonstrates a jobseeker has completed a 20-day pre-employment training programme, tailored specifically to the hospitality sector. Training includes:

· Core practical and employment skills such as customer service, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving
· Health and safety, food hygiene, allergies awareness, first aid and fire safety
· A five-day work experience placement with a local hospitality employer
· Guaranteed job interviews upon completion

This holistic programme, which combines classroom learning, practical training and employer engagement, culminates in the award of the Hospitality Skills Passport – carried digitally (e.g., in a Google Wallet) and recognised across the UK hospitality industry.

A Collaborative, Employer-Led Approach

Uniquely co-designed by hospitality employers, training providers and colleges, the programme integrates the entry-level knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) derived from Level 2 apprenticeship standards (Production Chef, Commis Chef, and Hospitality Team Member). These were adapted to form a robust, universal entry standard to better support progression into work or apprenticeships.

Employers are deeply involved in delivery through site visits, “day in the life” sessions, talks, interviews, and more – ensuring learners experience the full range and depth of the industry.

OCN London’s Role

As an Ofqual recognised awarding organisation, OCN London has been instrumental in quality-assuring the Skills Passport – giving both learners and employers confidence in its consistency, rigour and value. We are proud to support a programme that not only uplifts individuals into careers but also enhances the recruitment strategies of local and national employers.

“We are thrilled to support the Skills Passport, which reflects our values of inclusivity, opportunity, and progression,” said [insert appropriate spokesperson name/title]. “This is a transformative initiative that opens doors for jobseekers and ensures employers can access job-ready talent.”

A Boost for Jobseekers and Communities

Hospitality is one of the UK’s largest employers, offering 3.5 million jobs in settings as diverse as cafés, hotels, restaurants, holiday parks, schools, and stadiums. The Skills Passport helps people with little to no prior experience, low academic attainment, or special educational needs to confidently enter the sector – bringing social mobility, accessibility, and long-term employment within reach.

Get Involved

To find out more, visit: www.ukhospitality.org.uk/work/hospitality-swaps

For training providers or employers looking to support delivery of the Skills Passport SWAP, OCN London welcomes expressions of interest and collaboration.

Let’s build talent pipelines that serve employers and change lives – together.