Mitchells & Butlers and UCB have won an award for their partnership between education and industry at the PACE (Professional Association for Catering Education) and People 1st Learning and Development Forum 2014.

The award recognised the collaboration between the two organisations across a series of initiatives including the innovative FdA Managing in Service Industries online programme - a tailored degree for Mitchell & Butlers' operational managers, aiming to enhance their awareness of business operations as well as providing opportunities for career development.

The three year degree modules are tailored to reflect the needs of business, enabling employees to learn how to apply management concepts and theories to the pub and restaurant sector. The part-time programme features a range of activities such as podcasts, videos, slideshow presentations and study blogs is delivered through individual tutorial support both online and via on-site visits.

Paul Russell, Dean of the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management, said: 'We are delighted to be working with Mitchells & Butlers. As an academic institution with a strong industry focus, we recognise how important it is for employers to up skill and retain high quality managers. This award recognises UCB's innovative, employer-focused approach to professional development and flexible delivery of higher education qualifications."

Darren Goodenough, Vocational Learning Manager for Mitchells & Butlers commented: 'Through our partnership with UCB we can offer our employees a professional qualification that gives them the management and practical skills needed to work within the hospitality industry, and build a long term career with M&B. The first-intake of 40 managers are now enrolled with UCB and later this summer we are looking forward to recruiting our second year in-take on to this unique programme.'