Hospitality - level 2 apprenticeship framework

About the framework

This framework specifies the standards and the criteria for the delivery of level 2 apprenticeship training to achieve qualified status within the hospitality sector.

If you successfully complete the apprenticeship you'll be awarded a level 2 qualification and be recognised as a qualified person within the industry sector.

Mandatory outcomes

Achievement of a level 2 apprenticeship in hospitality will be assessed by verification through the appropriate awarding body.

You must complete both the competence and knowledge-based qualification, along with the mandatory essential skills qualifications.

Mandatory essential skills

To successfully complete the apprenticeship, apprentices must achieve the following essential skills qualifications as part of the apprenticeship or already hold a recognised equivalent:

• application of number – level 1
• communication – level 1
• information and communication technology – level 1

However, any qualifications you already have are assessed against the framework requirements and may result in an exemption from the above.

Competency and knowledge qualifications

You complete both a competency-based and a knowledge-based qualification from the lists below.

Pathway one – hospitality services

Competence-based qualification:

• City and Guilds Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Hospitality Services 500/9981/4
• iCQ Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Hospitality Services 600/8556/3
• BIIAB Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Hospitality Services 601/6212/0

Knowledge-based qualification:

• City and Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles (Hospitality Services) 600/0851/9
• iCQ Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles (Hospitality Services) 600/8557/5
• BIIAB Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles (Hospitality Services) 601/6243/0
• VTCT Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles (Hospitality Services) 600/4494/9

Combined competence-based and knowledge-based qualification:

• OCN NI Level 2 Diploma in the Principles and Practices of the Hospitality and Tourism Team Member (Apprenticeship Northern Ireland) 603/5876/2
• OCN NI Level 2 Diploma in the Principles and Practices of the Hospitality and Tourism Team Member 603/5877/4

There are additional units and Guided Learning Hours involved with this qualification and it is particularly suited to those transferring from a Traineeship.

Those apprentices who commence a Northern Ireland Traineeship in Hospitality, and transfer to the Level 2 apprenticeship before completing the Traineeship, can fulfil the Level 2 apprenticeship requirements by transferring to the qualification above (603/5876/2) with accreditation of prior learning.

Pathway two– food and beverage service

For this pathway choose one of the following combinations.

Competence-based qualification (a):

• City & Guilds Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Food and Beverage Service 500/9544/4
• iCQ Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Food and Beverage Service 600/3799/4
• BIIAB Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Food and Beverage Service 601/5687/9
• VTCT Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Food and Beverage Service 600/4487/1
• Highfield Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Food and Beverage Service 600/7991/5

Knowledge-based qualification (a):

• City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles (Food and Beverage Service) 600/0841/6
• iCQ Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles (Food and Beverage Service) 600/4414/7
• BIIAB Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles (Food and Beverage Service) 601/5682/X
• VTCT Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles (Food and Beverage Service) 600/4488/3
• Highfield Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles (Food and Beverage Service) 603/5221/8

Competence-based qualification (b):

• Highfield Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Beverage Service 600/7814/5     

Knowledge-based qualification (b):

• City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles (Beverage Service) 600/0848/9
• BIIAB Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles (Beverage Service) 601/5694/6
• Highfield Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles (Beverage Service) 600/7919/8

Competence-based qualification (c):

• Highfield Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Food Service 600/7825/X

Knowledge-based qualification (c):

• City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles (Food Service) 600/0834/9
• Highfield Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles (Food Service) 603/5222/X

Pathway three – housekeeping

Competence-based qualification:

• City & Guilds Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Housekeeping 500/9488/9
• iCQ Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Housekeeping 600/4412/3

Knowledge-based qualification:

• City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles (Housekeeping) 600/0849/0
• iCQ Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles (Housekeeping) 600/4152/3

Pathway four – front of house reception

Competence-based qualification:

• City & Guilds Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Front of House Reception 500/9490/7
• iCQ Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Front of House Reception 600/3800/7​​​​

Knowledge-based qualification:

• City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles (Front of House Reception) 600/0839/8
• iCQ Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles (Front of House Reception) 600/4151/1

Eligibility and entry to the programme

You must be a new employee, or an existing employee taking on a new role to take part in the programme.

There are no specific entry requirements to take part in this apprenticeship, however employers may have applied their own criteria at the recruitment stage.

See also the DfE operational requirements. 

Duration

Apprenticeship duration can vary and will be agreed between the apprentice, training contractor and employer.

Related knowledge

For this framework, you must complete a suitable employee rights and responsibilities (ERR) workbook. Framework certification is issued on confirmation from training suppliers that the ERR has been completed.

Responsibilities

It's training contractor/ college's responsibility to make sure all components of this framework are delivered in line with apprenticeshipsni operational requirements.

The apprentice must be employed from day one.

Further information

The content of this framework (Framework No 70 Issue 11: 01/23) has been agreed by the Department for the Economy. 

For further information, contact:

• Department for the Economy - Apprenticeships Delivery and Performance Branch