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MARCH 2016

People 1st to sponsor new college restaurantaward

Building on the success of the partnership that developed the AA College Rosette, People 1st has announced that it is to sponsor a new award at the 2016 AA Hospitality Awards - The AA College Restaurant of the Year.

Launching today at the PACE (Professional Association for Catering Education) conference, the award which seeks to uncover and reward the hard work of chef lecturers and student brigades that run college restaurants, is open to colleges that have been accredited by People 1st and those that have been awarded an AA College Rosette.

People 1st,the workforce development expert, has developed the accreditation which is endorsed by a group of leading hospitality employers, including Starwood Capital, Exclusive Hotels and Whitbread, is a ‘stamp of approval’ that recognises colleges and training providers offering exceptional hospitality training.

Given the current chef shortage and the need to recruit 11,000 chefs by 2022, the accreditation scheme can help hospitality businesses find quality colleges and work-based providers who can support them with recruitment and training and development.

Accredited colleges are invited to visit submit an application to be considered for the AA College Restaurant of the Yearaward.

Martine Pullen, director of membership, People 1stcomments: “We are delighted to further develop our partnership with theAA and sponsor the AA College Restaurant of the Year Award. The new award gives our accredited colleges an additional opportunity to be recognised for the excellent work of their restaurants and reward the dedication of the lecturer and student teams that run them.”

There is still time to become accredited before the competition deadline – to find out more about the People 1st scheme and how to become accredited, visit or contact .

Garry Baldwin, senior hotel & restaurant inspector, AA Hotel Services comments: “Building on the relationship that we have established with People 1st in the development of the AA College Rosette, we are delighted to announce the AA College Restaurant of the Year award, sponsored by People 1st.College restaurants are no longer the best kept secrets in their local community and are growing in reputation all the time.This award will allow them to really promote and showcase themselves.I can’t wait to see what the colleges will produce as evidence and I am very proud of this continued association.’’

Dave Thomas, programme area manager, hospitality and food, Leicester College adds:“We are really excited that People 1st and the AA Hotel Services have announced this competition. It builds on the fantastic recognition that our restaurant has gained since being awarded our rosette and as a team of lecturers and students it gives us the chance to stand amongst our industry peers as an award winner, we cannot wait to get started on our application!”

Further details on The AA College Restaurant of the Year award can be found at:

People 1st is the workforce development expert for the hospitality, tourism, travel, passenger transport and retail industries and works in partnership with employers to develop solutions that increase performance through people.

For more information visit: , call 020 3074 1222 or tweet @p1stgroup

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