HIT Training
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.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2006
- HeadquartersShoreham-by-sea, United Kingdom
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
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.
HIT Training firmographics
Firmographics- 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
HIT Training industry classification
Industry- 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
Where HIT Training is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Shoreham-by-sea
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
HIT Training business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- 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.
- 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
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Government-funded apprenticeship training for eligible apprentices |
| Other | One time/ perpetual license | Employer incentive payments for hiring young apprentices |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels10 records
HIT Training product offering
Product offeringCore 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
Companies that use HIT Training
Customer profileNamed customers32 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
HIT Training technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature10 records
HIT Training partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and flagship.
- Scrumptious MarketingminorStrategic Employer Branding Partnership announced between The Opportunity Provider and Scrumptious Marketing for employer branding initiatives.
- urfuturecoreHIT 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)coreStrategic 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)coreStrategic partnership with Cambrian Training for apprenticeship delivery across Wales. Part of HIT's strategy to provide UK-wide coverage through regional partners.
- Michael HeppellcoreMichael 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 / MixxacorePaul 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 NottinghamcoreThe 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 WareingflagshipHIT 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 SomersetminorHIT 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 LtdflagshipParent 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
HIT Training competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect 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
HIT Training social profiles
Digital presenceHIT Training financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
HIT Training leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
HIT Training subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
HIT Training funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
HIT Training M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about HIT Training
What does HIT Training do?
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.
Is HIT Training a public or private company?
HIT Training is a private company. It is classified as management employee owned and is currently operating.
When was HIT Training founded?
HIT Training was founded in 2006. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is HIT Training based?
HIT Training is headquartered in Shoreham-by-sea, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does HIT Training make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Apprenticeship Training Government Funding is the primary driver. The others are corporate Training Courses.
Who are HIT Training's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Estio Training, Lifetime Training, Remit Training, Skills Training UK, Paragon Skills, TCHC Group and The Learning Curve Group. Broad incumbents are Capita plc and Babcock International. City & Guilds is listed as an others.
Does HIT Training have an API?
No public API is recorded for HIT Training.
What industry is HIT Training in?
HIT Training's product category is Hospitality and Retail Apprenticeship Training Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPACANAK, Apprenticeships, Internships & Work-Based Learning Programs, with a secondary code of EDAAAOAE, Incumbent Worker Training & Upskilling. Its SIC code is 8200.