UK Hospitality Skills Passport
Your Pathway Into Hospitality – Accredited by OCN London
The UKHospitality Skills Passport is a new, employer-led initiative designed to open the door to careers in one of the UK’s most vibrant industries. Developed in partnership with UKHospitality, the Hospitality Sector Council, and major employers across the sector, the programme sets a new universal entry standard, supporting both jobseekers and employers.
Accredited and certificated by OCN London, the Passport recognises that you’re ready to begin working in hospitality – equipped with the practical skills, professional behaviours, and industry awareness that employers truly value.
Who Is It For?
The Hospitality Skills Passport is designed primarily for individuals who are unemployed or seeking a career change, including those referred by Jobcentre Plus or the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It is open to:
- People with no prior experience or qualifications in hospitality
- Individuals looking for flexible jobs or meaningful careers
- Anyone interested in gaining real insight into hospitality and catering roles
This programme is an ideal first step into a sector rich in progression routes, opportunities, and creativity.
What’s Included in the Programme?
The programme blends classroom-based learning, statutory training, employer engagement, and work experience, typically delivered over 15 days in a hospitality and catering setting.
Key Features:
- Mapped to Apprenticeship Standards
- Integrated Employment Skills
- Employer-Led Delivery
- Statutory Training
- Work Experience
Participants Will Learn:
- Guest communication and customer service
- Food safety and allergen awareness
- Handling complaints and feedback
- Equity, diversity, inclusion and workplace behaviours
- Health, safety, and hygiene in hospitality settings
On successful completion, learners receive a digital Hospitality Skills Passport verified by UKHospitality and OCN London – a trusted, transferable badge of readiness for employment.
Download the Full Programme Specification
For a comprehensive overview of the curriculum, delivery model, assessment guidance and required resources, download the official programme specification:
Benefits for Learners
- Gain industry-endorsed skills and knowledge
- Receive an accredited digital Passport recognised by leading employers
- Access meaningful progression routes including:
- Level 2 Apprenticeships
- College-based Hospitality and Catering qualifications
- Part- or full-time employment
Benefits for Employers
- Recruit from a pool of job-ready candidates trained to an industry standard
- Reduce onboarding and early-stage training costs
- Help shape future workforce development
How to Get Involved
Training providers and centres interested in delivering the Hospitality Skills Passport programme must be approved by OCN London. Approval is streamlined and support is available throughout the process.
– Already an OCN London Approved Centre? You can apply for programme approval directly.
– Not yet approved? Click here to access a light-touch approval process and begin delivering this impactful programme.
Partner Organisations
This programme has been developed in collaboration with:
- UKHospitality
- Hospitality Sector Council
- Hospitality and Tourism Skills Board
- HIT Training
- Westminster Kingsway College (Capital City College Group)
Learn more about the wider UKHospitality SWAPs initiative on the UKHospitality website.
