Pubs and bars are to gain access to a pool of qualified, entry-level workers, brought about by new partnership between People 1st, the sector skills council for hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism, and BII, the professional body for the licensed retail sector.

Under the partnership, BII will deliver People 1st’s Employment 1st programme, which is designed to prepare people looking for their first job in the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism industry.

Successful candidates will attain the BIIAB Level 1 Award in Introduction to Employment in the Hospitality Industry (AIEHI) and will be listed on People 1st’s UKSP website – www.uksp.co.uk, where registered employers will be able to find them and contact them about job opportunities.

The 60-hour programme aims to produce work-ready individuals with the skills required to undertake entry-level jobs. The qualification will give employers confidence that their recruits have these skills.