In the UK, most young people will enter the tourism industry by getting a job and will be trained at work. Many employers will send trainees to a school or college for part of their training. Training to be a cook will take at least two years and will cover a range of cooking skills and styles. Trainees in waiting and room service may complete their training in less time. There are apprenticeships in hospitality and tourism.
Apprentices usually take at least three years to complete their training.
An apprentice cook, for example, will develop specialist skills and may be expected to take much greater responsibility in the kitchen when the apprenticeship is completed. Many schools and colleges will offer full time training courses where students can gain skills and qualifications before starting work. There are many hotel and tourism management courses at British Universities. The average level includes hotel schools or higher professional studies. The objective is to expand the theoretical and practical knowledge to the level of staff management.