What I gained from my apprenticeship...
Louis Smith Role: Reservation agent Age: 16 when he started the apprenticeship, now 18
You started the apprenticeship straight from school? Yes. I started at the age of 16. It took me 18 months to complete my training in hospitality, front office and reservations.
How did you get on the programme? My apprenticeship was through Umbrella Training, run completely by Lancaster London. Once my programme was completed I started an advanced apprenticeship in the same area, which I am now working towards.
Was it easy to manage work and training? Every month someone from Umbrella Training would come to help with my training, whether it be in terms of completing coursework or observing me in my everyday role. It was great that it all happened at the hotel as it meant that the two sides worked well together.
What are your views of the programme? One area I found particularly beneficial was that I had regular meetings with my department manager. This increased my confidence and meant I had a mentor during the programme. Completing my apprenticeship has taught me to dream big – and maybe one day I can be the general manager.
Henry Jameson Role: Commis chef Age: 17 when he started the apprenticeship, now 19
How long did it take to complete the apprenticeship? I started the two-year apprenticeship when I was 17. I have recently completed it and have received my NVQ Level 3.
How did you get on the programme? I found the apprenticeship online through the University of West London and applied directly.
How did you balance work and training? I spent one day a week at the university to help me to complete my coursework. The remaining days were spent at Lancaster London.
What do you think of the programme? I was amazed how quickly I went from knowing hardly anything about the restaurant industry to being an established member of the team. I started work in the pastry section, before moving onto garnishes. Now that I have finished my apprenticeship I am working in the meat section, which is my favourite so far.
What do you hope to achieve in the future? I have recently been made commis chef at the hotel’s Island Grill, which is a great achievement for me. I hope to become a chef de partie.
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We asked three apprentices at the four-star Lancaster London hotel, named in the City & Guilds 100 Top Apprenticeship Employers, to give us the lowdown on what they got out of it.
James Coulthurst Role: Finance assistant Age: 19 when he started the apprenticeship, now 21
Tell us about the apprenticeship I started the higher level finance apprenticeship when I was 19. It was a two-year scheme and by the end of it I had a foundation level CIMA.
How much time was spent in college? I had a week at college for seven weeks at Lancaster London.
How did you get on the programme? I found the opportunity on the national apprenticeship website and submitted my application. I was shortlisted and brought in for interview, an assessment day and then the final interview before being offered a place.
And what did you get out of it? The hotel looked after me and invested in my progression, making me feel like a full employee. The opportunity to earn money while you train is a great benefit of the apprenticeship programme. It was without a doubt the best decision I could have made, as I received the equivalent of a degree, two years of experience and no debt.
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