HIT Training

What HIT Training does

HIT Training is a UK specialist apprenticeship and training provider exclusively focused on the hospitality, catering, and retail sectors, delivering Level 2–4 apprenticeship pathways (Front of House, Hospitality Supervisor/Manager, Chef pathways from Commis to Senior Culinary Chef, Brewer, Retail, and Business Services) funded primarily through the Apprenticeship Levy. Founded in 2006 by John Hyde and Jill Whittaker following the acquisition of their prior venture Hospitality Plus by VT Group (now Babcock International) in 2001, the company operates a blended learning model that combines online learning with face-to-face workplace training, delivered via locally-based sector-specialist trainers, 32 Further Education college sub-contracts, and strategic regional channel partnerships with ITC (Scotland) and Cambrian Training (Wales). Its core technology stack is pedagogical content — proprietary methodologies including the Hearts & Minds Learning Suite, The Service Star, Customer Journey Grid, and the Chef Academy curriculum rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted — augmented by short courses (mental health first aid, personal licence holder) and the urfuture-powered recruitment service.

The group sits under The Opportunity Provider Ltd (TOP Group), an Employee Ownership Trust created in 2023 that gave employees majority ownership, with profits split one-third to shareholders, one-third to employee co-owners, and one-third to reinvestment. Two wholly-owned operating subsidiaries diversify the portfolio: Connect2Care (acquired 2008, adult care, healthcare, early years/nursery, and funeral service training) and EDN Training (acquired 2021, leadership, management, coaching, and degree apprenticeships). Strategic content co-development partners include Marcus Wareing (Forward programme), Michael Heppell and Paul Martin/Mixxa (Hospitality Academy), and the University of Nottingham's International Centre for Brewing Science (Brewer Academy workshops).

Go-to-market combines direct enterprise account management (Sodexo, Compass, Greene King, Nike, Heineken, RNLI, Shepherd Neame), inside sales for SMB employers via the 0800 093 5892 line, a self-serve apprentice jobs portal, and an event-driven marketing function supported by HIT Awards, the HIT Heroes community, and a Knowledge Centre content engine. HIT Training delivers commercial revenue through Apprenticeship Levy capture per learner, employer co-contributions, and ancillary course fees; reported employer outcomes include 65% apprentice retention with the hiring employer, 74% service quality improvement, 69% improved staff retention, and 86% skills-gap closure.

Name

HIT Training

Legal name

The Opportunity Provider Ltd.

Website

https://hittraining.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

HIT Training is a UK specialist apprenticeship and training provider focused exclusively on the hospitality, catering, and retail sectors, delivering government-funded apprenticeship programmes and specialist academies (Chef, Brewer, Hospitality) across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Hospitality and Retail Apprenticeship Training Services

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Apprenticeships, Internships & Work-Based Learning Programs (BPACANAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Incumbent Worker Training & Upskilling (EDAAAOAE), Professional Culinary Arts (Chef Training) (EDAOAKAA), Institutional & Commercial Kitchen Training (Schools/Healthcare/Corporate) (EDAOAKAL)

Keywords

• Apprenticeship training services
• Hospitality apprenticeships
• Retail apprenticeships
• Culinary training programmes
• Brewer apprenticeships

Headquarters

HQ city

Shoreham-by-sea

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Apprenticeship Training Government Funding: HIT Training delivers apprenticeships funded primarily through the UK government's apprenticeship funding system. Training costs are covered by a combination of government funding and employer contributions. Employers with a payroll over £3 million pay into the Apprenticeship Levy, which funds apprenticeship training.
2. Corporate Training Courses: HIT also offers standalone training courses including mental health first aid, personal licence holder training, and bespoke employer-specific training programmes. Courses complement apprenticeship offerings.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

HIT Training is a specialist apprenticeship and vocational training provider delivering UK government-funded apprenticeship programmes (Levels 2-4) for the hospitality, catering, and retail industries, supplemented by specialist academies (Chef Academy, Hospitality Academy, Brewer Academy) that provide hands-on workshops and immersive learning. Apprenticeship training is funded primarily through the UK Apprenticeship Levy and government funding, with standalone training courses (mental health first aid, personal licence holders) offered as complementary professional services.

Product overview

HIT Training is a market-leading specialist apprenticeship and training provider for the UK's hospitality, catering, and retail industries. The company operates a multi-product portfolio structured around core apprenticeship programmes at various levels (Level 2-4), supplemented by specialised academies (Chef Academy, Hospitality Academy, Brewer Academy) that provide hands-on workshops and immersive learning experiences. Additional offerings include training courses (mental health first aid, personal licence holders), a Careers Hub, Knowledge Centre, and employer incentives advisory service. The company also owns two subsidiary training divisions: Connect2Care (adult care, healthcare, early years/nursery, funeral services) and EDN Training (leadership, management, coaching, degree apprenticeships). In 2025, HIT launched its Hospitality Academy featuring the Hearts & Minds Learning Suite and partnered with urfuture to offer an intelligent apprenticeship recruitment service.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Connect2Care: Division specialising in adult care, healthcare, early years/nursery, and funeral service training
• EDN Training
• Chef Academy
• Hospitality Academy
• Brewer Academy
• HIT Heroes
• Executive Development Network

Products and services

• Hospitality Apprenticeships UK government-funded apprenticeship programmes for hospitality front-of-house and supervisory roles covering Hospitality Customer Service Practitioner, Hospitality Supervisor (Level 3), Hospitality Manager (Level 4), Hospitality Accommodation Team Member, Food & Beverage Team Member, and Catering and Hospitality Foundation (Level 2). Delivered as earn-while-you-learn programmes for hospitality employers and their employees.
• Retail Apprenticeships Retail apprenticeship programmes covering Retail Foundation (Level 2), Retailer Customer Service Excellence (Level 2) and Retail Manager (Level 4), aimed at retail businesses seeking to enhance recruitment outcomes, retain talent and elevate customer service.
• Culinary and Brewer Apprenticeships Specialist culinary and brewing apprenticeship programmes including Production Chef (Level 2), Commis Chef (Level 2), Senior Production Chef (Level 3), Pastry Chef (Level 3), Chef de Partie (Level 3), Senior Culinary Chef (Level 4) and the UK's first Brewer Apprenticeship (Level 4). Designed for restaurants, hotels, breweries and contract catering operators.
• Business Services Apprenticeships

Quantifiable outcome

• 65% of apprentices stay in their place of work after completing an apprenticeship
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers32 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and flagship.

• Scrumptious MarketingminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 June 2026Strategic Employer Branding Partnership announced between The Opportunity Provider and Scrumptious Marketing for employer branding initiatives.
• urfuturecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2026HIT Training launched an intelligent apprenticeship recruitment service in partnership with urfuture, combining sector expertise with trait-based matching and targeted recruitment support for hospitality and retail employers. The partnership helps identify candidates with the right mindset and potential, reducing poor hires and improving retention.
• ITC (Scotland)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStrategic partnership enabling HIT Training to provide apprenticeship delivery across Scotland, extending national UK coverage beyond England. ITC handles delivery in Scotland as part of the partnership.
• Cambrian Training Company (Wales)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStrategic partnership with Cambrian Training for apprenticeship delivery across Wales. Part of HIT's strategy to provide UK-wide coverage through regional partners.
• Michael HeppellcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMichael Heppell, international speaker, bestselling author, and trusted advisor to The Ritz, Disney, and Virgin Atlantic, co-developed the Hospitality Academy curriculum. His expertise in customer experience and service excellence shaped the Hearts & Minds Learning Suite.
• Paul Martin / MixxacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPaul Martin, founder of Mixxa and hospitality strategist, partnered with HIT to develop cutting-edge content for the Hospitality Academy. His dynamic approach transforms service cultures and develops inspiring leaders.
• University of NottinghamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe 12 workshops on the Level 4 brewing programme take place at the International Centre for Brewing Science at the University of Nottingham. Industry experts bring theory and practice of brewing to life with lectures, practical sessions, and tutorials at state-of-the-art facilities.
• Marcus WareingflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerHIT partnered with renowned chef Marcus Wareing to create the 'Forward with Marcus Wareing' programme, inspiring chefs to go beyond their milestones. The programme has expanded following huge success.
• The Newt in SomersetminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHIT partnered with The Newt in Somerset to create a bespoke hospitality academy called 'Elevate', providing tailored training solutions for the estate's hospitality team.
• The Opportunity Provider LtdflagshipOthersParent company formerly known as HIT Training Ltd. In 2023, the company created an Employee Ownership Trust giving employees majority share. The company rebranded as The Opportunity Provider (TOP) in 2026 to signal long-term commitment to UK skills.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Estio Training: UK apprenticeship provider delivering IT, digital, and business apprenticeships with similar Levy-funded delivery mechanics. Less hospitality-focused but directly comparable as a mid-sized independent apprenticeship specialist competing for the same employer customers.
• Lifetime Training: One of the UK's largest apprenticeship providers with a strong focus on hospitality, health and social care, and active leisure sectors. Directly comparable to HIT Training in vertical specialisation, Apprenticeship Levy-funded delivery model, and mid-market/enterprise employer base.
• Remit Training: UK apprenticeship and training provider delivering programmes across multiple sectors including hospitality. Operates a similar Levy-funded apprenticeship model with employer-focused delivery and provides a comparable mix of sector-specific and general apprenticeships.
• Skills Training UK: Independent UK training provider focused on business administration, customer service, and management apprenticeships. Similar mid-market employer targeting and Apprenticeship Levy-funded delivery model to HIT Training's business services segment.
• Paragon Skills: UK apprenticeship provider focused on sectors including hospitality, childcare, and business services. Similar Levy-funded employer-centric delivery model and comparable size to HIT Training.
• TCHC Group: Independent UK training provider delivering apprenticeships and vocational programmes across hospitality, business administration, and customer service. Comparable Levy-funded model and employer base to HIT Training.
• The Learning Curve Group: Major UK independent training provider offering apprenticeships, vocational qualifications, and corporate training across multiple sectors. Comparable to HIT Training in apprenticeship delivery scale, FE college partnerships, and breadth of funded programmes.

Broad incumbents

• Capita plc: Large UK outsourcing and professional services group with an established apprenticeship and training division. Operates across multiple sectors including public services and skills training, competing for Levy-funded apprenticeships but at a much larger and more diversified scale.
• Babcock International: Global engineering and training services group that acquired HIT Training's predecessor Hospitality Plus in 2001. Babcock's training division operates as a broad incumbent across defence, nuclear, and critical skills with substantial apprenticeship delivery, representing potential competitive overlap and historical tie.

Others

• City & Guilds: UK awarding body that develops vocational qualifications and credentials used across apprenticeship frameworks, including hospitality standards HIT Training delivers. Not a direct competitor but a key ecosystem participant and quality-assurance partner for HIT's apprenticeship programmes.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/hittraining
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/HITtrainingTV
• Facebookfacebook.com/HITTraining
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hit-training-ltd

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about HIT Training