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Read MoreA hospitality apprenticeship scheme set up in the north-east in partnership between nine local hotels, Opportunity North East and Skills Development Scotland has places available for 16 to 24 years olds to join the Spring 22 intake.
Potential apprentices can apply online today.
During Scottish Apprenticeship Week (7 – 11 March) Hospitality Apprenticeship North East is highlighting the benefits of early career employment for school leavers and young adults when they enter vocational training.
The scheme is also offering young adults employment in rural locations so they do not have to travel for their employment and education with vacancies at hotels in Tarland, Braemar, Inverurie, Oldmeldrum and Banchory as well as in Aberdeen.
Hospitality Apprenticeship North East chairman, Stephen Gow, says:
“Scottish graduates leave university with an average debt of £13,890*, and a degree course is not for every school leaver.
“Our apprenticeship scheme has been designed to give our students sector-specific hands-on experience in their hotel, along with core course content. The 18-month initial apprenticeship leads to a fully accredited SVQ level 5 with the option to continue for a further six months for additional recognition. During their apprenticeship our students are paid at the minimum wage for their age and not at the lower apprenticeship rate.
“There’s a well-documented skills shortage in hospitality currently following Covid and Brexit and our nine local hotel partners are giving their robust support to apprenticeships as a route to accelerate the pipeline of skilled people within their businesses.
Apprentices on the current cohort encourage others to join the scheme:
Anthony McKillop, who was a 16 year old school leaver when he joined Douneside House as an apprentice, says,
“I took up the apprenticeship straight out of school, and when I first started, I was quiet and shy. But moving around the departments and working with so many different guests, I have come out of my shell and am really enjoying myself. I never thought I could be this confident.
“I’m currently working on the accounts side, front of house, housekeeping, and the health club. I love the variety, and it has made me more adaptable to different roles and departments.”
Hannah Kerridge began the apprenticeship scheme in 2019 at Jurys Aberdeen Airport when she was 24. Hannah is now a food and beverage supervisor, stepping in as duty manager when required.
“My confidence has grown massively during my time at Jurys, and professionally I am much better at my job. Every day is different, and I can now turn my hand to other areas, whether reception, accounts, or events.
“My apprenticeship has really opened my eyes to all the varied aspects of hospitality. It is hard work, but I genuinely enjoy going in each day, I work with a great team, and it is fun and rewarding. Taking up my apprenticeship at Jurys Inn has been the best decision I have ever made.”
Stephen Gow continues, “Some of our apprentices have told us when they begin, that all they thought they would be learning to do was to carry plates, but the hospitality industry requires incredibly diverse skills sets. The structure of the apprenticeship with rotations through four departments allows for the development of skills our apprentices will need to progress in a career which spans the globe.”
More about Hospitality Apprenticeship North East can be found at http://hospitalityapprentice.com/, where there is also a downloadable brochure.
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