University of Gloucestershire has launched a new partnership to deliver a degree apprenticeship in hospitality management.

The collaboration will enable employees at The Ned London hotel and members' club to benefit from the career development opportunities offered by the university's hospitality manager (chartered manager) degree apprenticeship - the first programme of its kind to be formally accredited by the Institute of Hospitality (IoH).

The apprenticeship combines the chartered manager degree apprenticeship with specialist modules designed specifically for those working in today's fast-paced hospitality industry to meet a skills gap.

Apprentices will gain valuable management skills and experience working for The Ned, while at the same time studying for an honours degree in applied hospitality management from the university. Lectures will be delivered at a 'flying faculty' at The Ned London.

The Ned London opened in the former Midland Bank headquarters in 2017. Today it is home to 250 bedrooms, 10 restaurants and 17 bars. There's also a members-only Ned's Club, which gives access to a rooftop pool, gym, spa and late-night lounge bar in the original vault of the bank.

James Partington, head of talent at The Ned, said: "We're really excited to be working with University of Gloucestershire to launch Ned's University.

"As well as being able to earn while they learn, apprentices will gain a degree without having to pay tuition fees, so this really is an incredible opportunity.

"In addition to using these programmes to upskill our existing staff, they are also giving us the opportunity to onboard new talent. As such, we are looking for hard-working candidates who can demonstrate dedication and enthusiasm in helping manage our hotel and look after our guests with warmth and compassion."

Alex Cottrell, head of external relationships for University of Gloucestershire, said: "We are delighted to be working with The Ned and offering these apprenticeships to a new cohort of learners in the hospitality industry.

"We launched this apprenticeship because businesses in the sector told us that skills shortages were presenting a significant barrier to growth. As a result, we worked with leading names both in Gloucestershire and beyond to develop these groundbreaking new programmes.

"It really is fantastic to be in the position where we are welcoming another cohort of learners onto the programme in September. While based off campus, these apprentices will join our thriving community of more than 1,000 learners on 21 different apprenticeship programmes."

In being formally accredited by the IoH, the apprenticeship has demonstrated that it meets recognised levels and standards of professional knowledge, skills and understanding. It has also satisfied the IoH that it is relevant to the needs of the industry and meets accepted international benchmark standards.