Scotland’s hospitality industry has a new national champion. Two of the country’s most respected apprenticeship programmes have come together to form Hospitality Apprenticeship Scotland—a single, unified initiative that will shape the future of hospitality training across the nation.
This ambitious new programme brings together the proven success of Apprenticeship in Hospitality Scotland (AHS) and Hospitality Apprenticeship North East (HANE) to create a national pathway into the sector for young people aged 16 to 24.
Backed by many of Scotland’s leading hospitality employers including Cameron House, The Fife Arms, Cromlix, Trump Turnberry and the Royal Yacht Britannia, Hospitality Apprenticeship Scotland has a clear mission to equip young people with the skills, experience and confidence they need to thrive in the hospitality industry — while helping to drive the sustainable growth of Scotland’s tourism economy.
Unlike many other training routes, this is an apprenticeship that truly values young people’s potential. Apprentices are paid fairly — earning at least the national minimum wage for their age, not the lower apprenticeship rate. The programme offers hands-on training in Scotland’s top hospitality businesses, providing a genuine insight into the sector and clear progression routes from entry-level roles to leadership opportunities. There are two apprenticeship programmes – the hospitality apprenticeship and the professional cookery apprenticeship. Both lead to recognised qualifications with the chance to study further.
Importantly, this is also a programme with a conscience. From day one, apprentices are immersed in training that encourages environmentally responsible working and strong community ties, preparing them to become thoughtful, future-ready professionals.
“By bringing our two programmes together, we’re opening the door to even more opportunities for young people right across Scotland,” says Hospitality Apprenticeship Scotland board member Gordon McIntyre MBE. “Hospitality Apprenticeship Scotland gives them the chance to earn, learn and build a meaningful career — supported by some of the best hospitality businesses in the country.”
Founded in 2014, Apprenticeship in Hospitality Scotland was created by a group of pioneering hoteliers who believed in offering young people more than just a job. Its unique rotational model introduced apprentices to a range of departments — from front-of-house to events and kitchen operations — laying the foundations for long-term career success. Over the years, it earned a reputation for championing inclusivity, investing in young people, and producing hospitality leaders of the future.
Meanwhile, Hospitality Apprenticeship North East focused on developing talent across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire through strong ties with local employers. The programme became particularly well known for its professional cookery apprenticeships, which helped train the next generation of chefs. With a strong emphasis on fair pay, community connection and practical skills, HANE gave young people the chance to build careers close to home.
Together, these two programmes have already changed the lives of many young adults. The creation of Hospitality Apprenticeship Scotland builds on that success — retaining all the best features of both while offering a stronger national voice and a broader platform of opportunity. The board intends to ensure that the programme becomes a Scotland wide initiative.
With the launch of Hospitality Apprenticeship Scotland, young people from all corners of the country will benefit from a more connected network of support, training and career development than ever before. From boutique hotels to landmark restaurants, apprentices will have the chance to learn from the best in the business — and become the best in the business.
“We’re incredibly proud of what both AHS and HANE have achieved,” adds Gordon McIntyre. “Now, under one banner, we’re ready to do even more to inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals, and to show young people just how far a career in this industry can take them.”
The Hospitality Apprenticeship Scotland programme is open for young adults, resident in Scotland who hold an NI number and who are between the ages of 16 and 24 at commencement. Applicants can find out more and register at www.hospitalityapprentice.com.