The sector skills council for hospitality, passenger transport, travel and tourism Gyles Haverty Senior Vocational Policy Manager

Who are People 1st? Employer-led organisation licensed by the UK Government; To reduce skills gaps and shortages Increase opportunities to boost skills and productivity Improve learning supply How we do it: Researching industry need Reforming qualifications and apprenticeships Increasing employer ambition and investment in skills

People 1st deliver Strategic skills plans for the sector Authoritative labour market information Core products and services including: - National Occupational Standards - Qualification support - Apprenticeship development Sector specific solutions

Existing provision for tour guiding Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Tourism Services (Guiding) Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Tourism Services (Guiding) These Diplomas are competency based qualifications and are not region or location specific. They are designed to assess the practical implementation of theory and knowledge within the environment in which the tourist guide is working or proposing to work. Once achieved they are then transferrable to wherever a tourist guide is working.

Existing provision for tour guiding The existing Diplomas provide learners with both the practical application and knowledge required to practice as a tour guide within the tourism industry covering the breadth of the following roles: Level 2 site tour fixed route Level 3 interpretative tour either on foot or on a moving vehicle producing interpretative media within a site or for a particular site of interest on a possible tour route.

People 1st and NITB People 1st were approached by NITB with new qualification proposals at level 2 and level 3 Proposals from NITB were based on existing competency qualifications with the addition of local and regional destination knowledge People 1st carried out an online consultation to: gain views on proposals for new qualifications Identify whether there was a need and demand for an apprenticeship framework

Feedback Highlights from Consultation Development of an apprenticeship framework was not supported as it was felt it would create unnecessary barriers. Proposals were well received but feedback suggested there was a need to expand on the following areas: Knowledge of Local area Knowledge of regional area Welcoming tourists and visitors to their destination Meeting specific requirements of customers Cultural awareness

Where we are now and how we are moving forward People 1st have been working with Awarding Organisations to develop the additional units identified from consultation New units will form part of new qualifications for tourist guiding at level 2 and level 3. These qualifications will be a combination of skills and knowledge NCFE will be offering these qualifications and aim to have them available for delivery from Summer 2012 People 1st are also working with WOTGA to ensure that there are clear progression pathways within the sector.

ITG Level 3 Green Badge ITG Level 4 Blue Badge Development pathway for Tourist Guides Pre-employment School Further Education Higher education CPD Level 1 Award/Certificate/Diploma in Introduction to Travel and Tourism Level 3 Diploma in Tourist Guiding Level 2 Diploma in Tourist Guiding Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Tourism Services (Guiding) Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Tourism Services (Guiding) Foundation Degree – Professional Tourist Guiding (Welsh model) Industry initiatives College basedWork-based

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