3-DeepGrad
What is it?
Standardised, Measurable Training
Time served does not always equal competence.
One bartender may have five years in a five-star hotel. Another may have five years in a high-volume rock bar. Both are experienced — but their training and exposure may be completely different.
3-DeepGrad introduces a structured, graded framework that removes the guesswork. Every participant is assessed against clear, measurable standards, making skill level visible, transferable, and consistent across venues.
This creates clarity for operators and confidence in team capability.
How does it work?
The 3-Deep programme follows a structured, graded development pathway designed to build capability step by step.
Grade 1 begins with essential compliance training, delivered in partnership with CPL. On completion, employees achieve 3-DeepGrad Grade 1 certification.
After approximately one month of practical workplace experience, team members become eligible for Grade 2, progressing through to Grade 3, where materials from the Institute of Hospitality are introduced.
At Grade 4, technical qualifications from City & Guilds are incorporated and continue through the remainder of the programme.
Grades 1–5 establish the core knowledge every hospitality professional should possess. As length of service increases, so does the depth and complexity of the material.
Upon achieving Grade 5, employees select a defined career pathway: Bartender, Waiter, or Chef.
The remaining grades are tailored specifically to that discipline, delivering focused, role-specific training aligned with industry standards.
From Grade 6 onwards, the programme shifts toward leadership and advanced professional standards.
CPL and City & Guilds continue to underpin technical competence, while Class of ’68 supports the transition toward management-level development. At this stage, St John Ambulance training is also incorporated to strengthen responsibility and workplace readiness.
Grade 7 introduces WSET qualifications, adding recognised product knowledge and technical expertise where relevant.
Progression continues through to Grade 10, where participants undertake increasingly substantial responsibilities and complete the APLH qualification.
To achieve Grade 10 status, candidates must submit a professional body of work to 3-Deep, assessed by independent external evaluators. This ensures the highest level of credibility, consistency, and professional standard.
What are the benefits?
Smarter Recruitment
Candidates clearly state their 3-DeepGrad level, giving operators immediate clarity on capability. Venues can recruit precisely what they need — reducing guesswork and improving hiring outcomes.
Seamless Mobility
Team members can move between participating 3-DeepOS venues without repeating training. Records transfer with them, and development continues uninterrupted.
(3-DeepGrad levels apply exclusively within participating venues to maintain consistency and quality control.)
Continuous Professional Development
Too often, employees change venues and repeat online training that isn’t recognised or transferred. This wastes time and money.
A unified system protects both the employee’s progress and the employer’s investment.
Sounds great - how do I get it?
Get in touch to discuss your requirements.
We’ll visit your venue, walk you through the programme in detail, and clearly outline the commitments involved — from us, from you, and from your team.
From there, we build the structure your business needs to run properly — without running you into the ground.