Institute of Hospitality (IOH) and People 1st have launched the first ever level 4 apprenticeship framework designed specifically for the hospitality industry.

The Higher Apprenticeship in Hospitality Management (HAHM) will be based on the Level 4 Diploma in Advanced Hospitality and Tourism Management qualification.

John Cunningham, director of professional development at IOH, said: "This new Higher Apprenticeship provides a great opportunity to develop more of the future managers that will drive our industry, and to equip them with the practical knowledge and skills that they will need.

"The new apprenticeship framework also provides tremendous flexibility with a wide range of different units depending on a learner's background, area of work and career direction."

People 1st led the development of the new framework and, working in partnership with UH Ventures and University College Birmingham, has gained funding from the National Apprenticeship Service to set up the delivery infrastructure for the apprenticeships.

Ruth Asker-Browne, who leads People 1st's apprenticeship work, said HAHM will provide learners with a clear career path into more senior levels.

"We've worked closely with learners, employers, mentors and assessors from across the hospitality industry to make sure that this new framework will deliver practical but rigorous training that has been designed specifically for the hospitality industry.

"HAHM is all about giving learners the chance to apply in a practical setting the knowledge they gain in a learning environment. It is helping to develop the managerial skills of our next generation of leaders."