People 1st, the sector skills council for hospitality, including travel and tourism, has submitted a business plan to the Government that could make it one of the first industries to have a dedicated National Skills Academy.
The academy would work with the Government and industry providers to develop a centre of excellence and help the industry reach National Skills Strategy targets and those set out by the Leitch Implementation Plan, published last month.
Tourism minister Margaret Hodge has said there needs to be radical changes in the work culture and attitudes towards skills and training, with shared responsibility between employers, staff and the Government. She said: “I applaud the work People 1st is doing to make progress in the sector.”
People 1st plans a series of consultations during the autumn with employers, who have pledged £16 million in capital investment and £50 million in resources.
The Government is set to announce in September whether the submission has been successful.