iCQ Future Stars scheme

Two hospitality staff members working together

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Supporting the next generation of hospitality professionals

iCQ Awards has partnered with our sister organisation, People 1st International, to launch a new initiative designed to champion the next generation of hospitality superstars. We’re committed to giving learners a strong start in their careers and are excited to introduce our Future Stars scheme.

Helping Future Stars stand out from the crowd

Starting out in hospitality often means starting from scratch. That’s why we’re providing every learner registered with iCQ for a hospitality apprenticeship with high-quality, branded professional wear. Learners will receive:

A chef’s jacket for kitchen-based apprentices
An apron for front-of-house and other hospitality apprentices.

These items will feature Future Stars, iCQ, and People 1st International branding, with optional space for course providers or sponsors to add their own branding. It’s a practical and visible way to show learners they are valued and supported from day one.

A helping hand for our Future Stars

While new kit helps learners feel part of the team, we know that the right tools of the trade can make all the difference.

That’s why a £10,000 Future Stars Fund has been created, to support hospitality learners. The fund will be open to all centres with iCQ-registered hospitality apprentices and to college restaurants recognised through People 1st International’s College Accreditation scheme.

Grants of up to £500 will be available for initiatives that clearly demonstrate how funding will benefit hospitality learners. This small but meaningful hand up is our way of giving back – helping ensure the next generation of hospitality professionals can begin their journeys with confidence.