What is a Hospitality Skills Passport?

Update: 2025-10-07

Description

In this episode, we’re joined by Vince Kelly, manager of the Mayor’s Hospitality Skills Academy at Westminster Kingsway College, to talk about one of the biggest challenges facing the industry today — the skills gap.

With 30 years’ experience as a chef and lecturer, Vince has seen the talent pipeline shrink first-hand. He shares how the Hospitality Skills Passport — a new initiative being developed in collaboration with UKHospitality, Springboard, and DWP — could revolutionise how people enter and progress within the sector.

We explore the importance of standardising entry-level training, why mentorship matters, and how colleges, employers, and government need to work together to professionalise hospitality careers in the UK.

It’s a must-listen for employers, educators, and anyone passionate about shaping the future of hospitality talent.

Takeaways:

Vince Kelly shares his extensive background as a chef and educator, emphasizing the importance of practical experience in hospitality education.
There's a significant skills gap in the hospitality industry, with a pressing need for skilled workers to fill various roles.
The hospitality skills passport is a new initiative aiming to standardize training and ensure that workers are job-ready, focusing on both front and back-of-house skills.
Vince discusses the importance of mentorship and on-the-job training, stating that 70% of learning should occur in the workplace for effective skill development.
The podcast highlights the diverse career paths available in hospitality, encouraging listeners to view it as a serious profession rather than just a part-time gig.
Networking and collaboration among industry professionals are crucial for creating a supportive community that helps address the challenges faced by the hospitality sector.

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