British Hospitality Association E-zine

Goodbye
This is my last article as the association’s chief executive – an occasion which is naturally tinged with some emotion. For me, the last decade has been hugely absorbing, very exciting, wholly satisfying and totally enjoyable – yet ten years is a fair length of time. There is such a thing as overstaying your welcome. I leave at an opportune time when a new government is in place which we hope will take this wonderful £110bn tourism and hospitality industry far more seriously than it has been taken in all the 13 years of the last administration. That can only be good for the industry. The industry won’t get all it wants but I feel confident that our arguments will be listened with care and sympathy. more

NEWS DETAILS

06 Jul 2010

Winning Hospitality Apprentices Announced
On Tuesday, 29 June the Hospitality Skills Alliance teamed up with leading awarding body EDI and partners to announce the lucky winners of the Hospitality Apprenticeship Awards 2010.

Ramesh Budhathoki of Sofitel London Heathrow won the coveted title of Hospitality Apprentice of the Year by impressing judges with his professionalism, determination to be the best in his career and his support for other candidates. Ramesh is following an Advanced Apprenticeship in Team Leading at the hotel, in conjunction with Oakleigh Training and Development.

After scoring top marks for the practical assessments and skills challenges during the heats, Ramesh was presented with his prize at the British Hospitality Association Annual Luncheon at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. He wins a fantastic Disney Institute Bursary from The National Skills Academy for Hospitality to aid his ongoing professional development.

On collecting his award from Bob Cotton, Chief Executive of the British Hospitality Association, Ramesh commented: “It is an absolute pleasure to be awarded this title. It has helped me to appreciate how the industry helps young people like me to achieve professional qualifications and gain recognition whilst working full time and developing critical skills to carry out our job roles. Thanks to Sofitel London Heathrow for supporting me to learn.”

Ramesh also received a finalist graduation jacket from Bragard, along with the two other finalists: Marcus Da Silva from Crowne Plaza Victoria and Jack Allibone from the House of Commons. As this year’s runner-up, Marcus wins a trip to the Ludlow Food Festival, courtesy of Wenlock Spring.

In the other categories the Hospitality Apprentice Employer of the Year went to Barceló UK for consistent improvement of completion results, creating innovative and exciting Apprenticeship programmes that inspire their learners.

Des Lawson, Human Resources Director at Barceló, said: “This award recognises our commitment to the Skills Pledge by offering vocational qualifications to all the team, along with bespoke Apprenticeship programmes such as the Barceló Apprentice Chefs’ Academy and our Pathways into Leisure. The Apprenticeship framework helped Barceló to address skills gaps, whilst the success of our programme reflects the hard work and dedication of our apprentices. By working with VT Training and Central Sports Management, we have designed programmes that go beyond the Apprenticeship framework, enhancing the skills and knowledge of our learners.”

The Hospitality Apprentice Provider of the Year was awarded to New College Nottingham for delivering some highly innovative Apprenticeship programmes with impressive results. Their entry was also endorsed by a comprehensive range of supportive references from employees, apprentices and employers.

Sacha McCarthy, Head of Catering and Hospitality School at New College, commented: “We are thrilled that the hard work and dedication of the team has been recognised and rewarded so significantly. New College Nottingham will continue to offer high quality Apprenticeship programmes that meet the needs of employers within Catering and Hospitality.”

The annual awards are organised on behalf of the Hospitality Skills Alliance, by Hospitality and Leisure Manpower (HALM), their partners and supporters. They build on the success of the previous Hospitality Modern Apprenticeship competition.

Bob Cotton, Chief Executive of the British Hospitality Association, said: “The British Hospitality Association is a great believer in the value of Apprenticeships and is committed to increase their take up. With additional backing and support from the new coalition Government, now is an ideal time for employers to take on an Apprentice.”

Gareth Phillips, Director of Sales and Business Strategy at EDI, said: “As a leading awarding body offering a wide range of Hospitality and Catering qualifications, EDI is delighted to support these awards which highlight the value of apprentices and celebrate their contribution. We’re delighted that the standard of entries was so high and we’d like to extend our congratulations to all the winners and wish them luck with their careers in the industry.”

For more information visit:
www.apprenticeships.halm.co.uk

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