Purpose Actuality of this subject is predetermined by the fact that global competitiveness and expansion of exchange of knowledge made employers not only increase requirements to factual results of the study at all levels of education but also announce the necessity of formation of new qualities with graduates. The purpose of this paper is to develop a complex of recommendations for employers’ participation in the formation of educational programs for preparing specialists in the service sphere, aimed at improving education quality and the demand for graduates in the labor market. Design/methodology/approach A method which leads to the study of this problem is desk methods of research. For an evaluation of the results of realization of educational programs and use of educational resources for training of specialists in the service sphere, the authors conducted a survey of employers (representatives of service sphere); the selection constituted 300 people. Findings The paper determines scientifically substantiated directions of activities for the participation of employers in the formation of educational programs and resources for training of specialists in the service sphere. The authors developed a model of interconnection of purposes and results of employers’ participation in the realization of educational programs, formation, and use of educational resources. Originality/value The practical significance of this research consists in the fact that received results and offers could be used by educational establishments, employers, and professional associations.

This article discusses the development of professional standards for the food industry, hospitality and entertainment, as well as the establishment of an independent professional public examination of projects of professional standards. It’s proposed to be discussed by the professional community the main approaches to the identifi cation of possible position names, formulations of generalized responsibilities, education requirements for the head of hotel companies and other accommodation facilities at diff erent qualifi cation levels.