A great accomplishment for our apprentice Joe who was the winner of the College of West Anglia's Hospitality Apprentice of the Year.
Knights Hill Hotel and Spa currently employ two apprentices who are trained with the College of West Anglia. They chose to hire apprentices in order to bring new staff into the hotel with fresh ideas helping them to improve the business.
Joe Saunders has recently completed a level 2 catering and hospitality apprenticeship and is now employed full-time at the hotel. He approached Knight’s Hill himself to discuss the opportunity of being employed as an apprentice and works in all areas of the hotel, including reception, bar work, housekeeping and night portering.
Joe said: “In my opinion apprenticeships are the most sensible route to take when leaving school, you gain practical skills in the workplace that you would not be able to learn in a classroom. I learnt entirely on the job, which massively boosted my confidence and had an assessor from college to the hotel to observe me and give me help when I needed it. Earning a wage also appealed to me and completing the apprenticeship gave me the opportunity to gain full-time employment.
Tom Mitchell, Food and Beverage Manager, said: “Employing apprentices gives our business the opportunity to train and employ a skilled workforce. For young people it offers practical training and work-based experience whilst receiving support from the college. The apprenticeship is structured around various units, which are agreed between the employer, the apprentice and the college, ensuring the apprentice is an invaluable asset.”