Hand Picked Hotels, a collection of 21 privately owned, luxury country houses and coastal retreats in the UK and Channel Islands, is launching a new initiative. With apprenticeships continuing to prove a popular way for people to learn on-the-job and be paid-to-learn, the team is encouraging people both within and outside of the business to proactively write to the team and apply for an apprenticeship to enhance or kick-start their career in hospitality.
The new initiative from Hand Picked Hotels puts the onus on individuals to take control of their career and learning. Running a hotel business requires a number of different roles and specialisms outside of the traditional ‘front of house’ and ‘back of house’ positions. Looking to secure the best talent and those who are motivated to learn, the team wants people – both within and outside the business – to reach out to Hand Picked Hotels and outline what apprenticeship they are interested in completing, and why they should be selected for that role. Putting the onus back on individuals to proactively secure the right opportunity for them, within a fast-paced and exciting industry.
Hand Picked Hotels has always been a strong supporter of apprenticeships as a way to upskill team members and bring new and exciting talent into the collection. With 70 people currently completing an apprenticeship, Hand Picked Hotels is calling for both existing employees who want to develop within their role or enter a new role, young people, and those looking for a career change to approach the team with why they would make a good Hand Picked Hotels apprentice.
Offering apprenticeships across a wide range of skills, Hand Picked Hotels currently has apprentices training for roles including Data Analyst, Sales, HR, People Professional, Learning & Development Practitioner, Spa Therapist, and Chartered Manager. Not just for entry-level positions, Hand Picked Hotels takes its team members through the complete cycle, with team members this year who have completed a Level 5 apprenticeship (equivalent to a university degree) and two currently completing a Level 7, which is the equivalent of an MBA.
Daniel Clarke, Financial Reporting Analyst, studying Level 4 Data Analytics: “As an older student, my apprenticeship course has been great to re-structure and fill in any knowledge gaps. I have learnt so much on the job, and this gives me the space to reflect on what I do, how I do it and why I do it the way I do. As my studies are such a close match to my job role, I look forward to improving my knowledge, skills and professionalism and therefore my overall contribution to the finance team and our partners across the business.”
Claire Naysmith, Human Resources Officer, studying HR Partner Level 5: “I decided to do the Level 5 Apprenticeship because I wanted to develop my knowledge, gain skills and behaviours to make a positive impact for both the business and our employees. I’ll admit it’s hard to juggle full time work, home life and studying, however, I know that the benefits will be worth it in the end and that is what I have to keep focusing on so that I can further my career and to use this new learning to help contribute to the successes in HR within Hand Picked Hotels.”
Jessica Reeves, Apprentice Spa Therapist, studying Level 2 Beauty Therapy before moving to Level 3 Wellbeing and Holistic Therapist: “I joined this apprenticeship scheme as I had always been interested in a career in beauty and spa therapy and it allows me to work while learning at the same time. I have enjoyed my first year as an apprentice as it has allowed me to make new friends along the way, leaning new skills and has given me a sense of independence through traveling for training.”
Alongside this challenge, Hand Picked Hotels also this has four Spa Apprenticeship roles at Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa, Nutfield Priory Hotel & Spa, Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa, and Wood Hall Hotel and Spa, with full details and how to apply available to see here: www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/careers.
In addition, the team will be actively recruiting for the Hand Picked Hotels chef apprenticeship programme over coming months and is encouraging people to reach out directly for more information, by emailing: [email protected].
