Contributed by Millennium Hotels and Resorts HR Manager, UK, Mr Gareth Blake.

Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) employees in the UK have managed to complete their apprenticeship programmes in 2020, despite COVID-19 challenges which included lockdowns, furloughs, and increasing demands within operations. During the tough times, the team showed true determination and drive, which has resulted in over 80% of apprenticeship completions being graded at Distinction level, for programmes carried out during the UK lockdown.

To take part in apprenticeships in UK, employees need to achieve certain levels to complete the trainings. Many staff develop in their careers through experience, and these apprenticeships help provide theory and additional skills to apply to the role they are already in.

Two of the MHR employees who completed their apprenticeships are Copthorne Merry Hill-Dudley F&B Operations Manager Mr Mark Childs and Copthorne Birmingham Sous Chef Mr Hammad Waheed.

Mark completed with distinction his Level 4 Hospitality Manager Apprenticeship, which supports managers as they hone their business, people and customer relation skills. He said, “From the course content and guidance, I greatly expanded my knowledge and also my approaches to the working role.”

For Hammad, his apprenticeship programme provided experiences across the various aspects of being in the hotel kitchen, including culinary, food safety, people and business, enriching his abilities for future opportunities to progress in senior chef roles. He said, “Overall, it was a wonderful experience and I find myself feeling more confident and experienced.”

MHR continues to support employees who are working towards completing their apprenticeships and welcome those who are looking to challenge themselves and start a qualification in 2021. Fully funded programmes include Commis Chef Level 2, Hospitality Supervisor Level 3 and Hospitality Manager Level 4, as well as funded functional skills training for improvement in English and Mathematics skills.