On Tuesday 2nd October The Hospitality Skills Alliance teamed up with the British Institute of Innkeeping, the Institute of Hospitality and the British Hospitality Association, together with other industry partners, to announce the winners of the UK Hospitality Apprenticeship Awards 2012.
James Northard of the Grassmoor Golf Centre in Chesterfield, with the support of HIT Training, won the much coveted title ?UK Hospitality Apprentice of the Year 2012?.
After scoring top marks over two days of practical assessments and skill challenges at the National Final, James received his Award from Roy Ackerman, CBE, President of the Academy of Food and Wine Service.? The Awards Ceremony took place at the prestigious Vintners Hall?in the City of London.? His prizes include a ?stage? at Raymond Blanc?s Michelin Starred ?Le Manoir aux Quat?Saisons?, a visit to the world famous House of Champagne Gosset ?in France and a money can?t buy, behind the scenes?visit to the BBC?s Saturday Kitchen Television Studios with an amazing opportunity to meet the celebrity presenters, and gain experience working with the television home economists.
On receiving his Award James said:
?I?m speechless.? This is so unbelievable.? It?s a dream come true:? a fantastic opportunity to sharpen my skills, learn from the best and advance my career?.
James is in good company.? Last year?s Chef Apprentice of the Year 2011 was subsequently chosen to represent the UK at Euro Skills 2012, and is currently in the UK Squad for the WorldSkills competitions in 2013.
In other fiercely contested categories, the ?UK Hospitality Apprentice Employer of the Year 2012? went to Harley?s Diner of Peterborough for their extremely imaginative Apprenticeship Programme.? It had clearly captured the interest of the judges.? They were greatly impressed by the achievements of a small business keen to mentor and motivate those with particular learning difficulties such as Dyslexia and Epilepsy.
Visibly pleased with his achievement Richard Swinscoe, Owner-Proprietor of Harley?s Diner, said:
?We are delighted to receive this recognition for our efforts and achievements.? Our people are our business.? The results speak for themselves:? the training we give our people has resulted in a 30% growth in our business and we are now about to move into larger premises?.
The UK Hospitality Apprentice Provider of the Year 2012? was awarded to Babcock International Group for their experience of long standing, outstanding community outreach work and robust arrangements for quality assurance.? Their extremely high retention, completion and success rates in excess of 90% also impressed the judges.
On hearing of the Award, Dianne Travis, Babcock?s Director of Training for the Service Sector, was clearly delighted and commented:
?Hospitality is growing global market and one that is of significant importance to the UK.? It is crucial that people working in the industry have the necessary skills to push the UK ahead, if we are to compete internationally.
Babcock works closely with industry to design and deliver the programmes that 21st century business demands, such as our individually tailored Chef Academies.? Working in hospitality is a great career choice and with our community outreach programmes we?re making sure that it?s an opportunity open to disadvantaged people as well as those who have passed through school with flying colours.? With a rigorous Apprenticeship training, thousands can look forward to rewarding, successful careers
I?m very proud of this award, which is testament to the hard work of the Babcock team, our employer partners and our Apprentices, who are all playing a part in helping the UK to lead the world in hospitality?.
Speaking at the Awards, Nick Scade, Chairman of the Academy of Food and Wine Service, said:
?The Academy is a great believer in the value of an Apprenticeship and is committed to support their take up.? Many of those at the top of our industry started out as an Apprentice.? With the funding and support currently available from the government now is an ideal time for employers ? both large and small ? to take on an Apprentice.? The payback in terms of increased productivity, customer satisfaction and profit is not only considerable but well proven?.