HIT Training launches customer service apprentice scheme

Designed to teach apprentices the art of delivering ‘exceptional’ customer service, the scheme will also teach them new skills, build confidence, and boost job satisfaction and productivity. Spanning key areas such as mixology, pairing, service style and presentation, the academy will be run by company trainers across the company across a number of its client sites, including breweries, vineyards, distilleries and roasteries. Jeremy Scorer, HIT Hospitality Academy principal, commented: “The hospitality industry is highly competitive, with customer satisfaction of paramount importance. “What makes a great experience isn’t always necessarily the product; what you never forget is the standard of the experience you receive, what made the exceptional difference – it’s all about customer service. “It’s an exciting time to be working in the industry. Consumers have a wealth of choice at their fingertips - from the style of food they wish to eat to where they’re going to enjoy it. “The one area you must shine as a business is customer service and yet foundation skills in this area are often overlooked. That’s why we’re so passionate about giving apprentices the tools they need to do the best job possible. “Through the HIT Hospitality Academy, apprentices will gain a solid knowledge and understanding of the service they offer and the products they work with. “In turn, this improved skills base will lead to increased customer satisfaction and levels of productivity and, as a result, levels of profitability within the business will increase.” Managing director Jill Whittaker added: “In this fast-moving and highly competitive industry, top performing staff can make all the difference to business growth and career satisfaction. “And let’s not forget that investment in staff training has been proven to have a significant impact on staff recruitment and retention – in fact 80% of companies who invest in apprentices report an increase in staff retention. It really is a win win.” HIT Hospitality Academy follows the success of the HIT Chef Academy, which launched in 2015.