The mentoring programme is part of the Hospitality Apprenticeship Week that starts today (5 august) and will run until Friday (9 August). It aims to bring the hospitality community together to showcase the positive differences apprentices can make to individuals, to their employers and to the wider economy.
Fifteen ‘high-profile’ people from across the sector including Brian Turner CBE, Sara Jayne Stanes OBE and Cyrus Todiwala OBE will be involved in the mentoring scheme.
Adele Oxberry, founder and chief executive of Umbrella Training, said: “As the saying goes, not all superheroes wear capes. They may wear chef’s whites, housekeeping aprons, and even business suits. We are delighted to bring together some of the industry’s most successful and inspirational leaders alongside some of the stars of the future.
“Mentoring is such an important part of any individual’s development and it’s vital that we work with young people to support them as they move their way through their careers.”
The hospitality sector is the third largest employer in the UK, employing more than 3.2 million people. Forecasts have identified the need of an additional one million employees over the next two years to cover the shortage of workers.
Recently the UK Government launched its first tourism-sector deal as the country prepares for an additional nine million tourists every year. As part of the deal 10,000 new apprenticeships for the tourism and hospitality sectors have been made available.
Peter Ducker, chief executive of the Institute of Hospitality, added: “The gift of mentoring is one of the greatest that anyone can receive. The lucky mentees in the umbrella scheme will benefit from decades of experience freely drawn upon by seasoned Industry professionals. Mentoring sends a strong message - we welcome you into hospitality want to help you succeed in your career.”
The 15 ‘Superheroes’ are:
- Harry Murray MBE MI FIH, chairman, Lucknam Park Hotel
- Brian Turner CBE
- Mark Sargeant, Michelin starred chef
- Cyrus Todiwala OBE DL, chef patron, Cafe Spice Namaste
- Chantelle Nicholson, chef patron, Tredwells London
- Sally Beck MI FIH, general manager, Royal Lancaster London
- Joanne Taylor Stagg MI FIH, general manager, The Athenaeum
- Ben Purton FIH, chef consultant
- Robert Richardson FIH, general manager, The Grand Folkestone
- Sara Edwards, group human resources director, AB Hotels
- Liz McGivern, vice president people & culture, Red Carnation Hotels
- Sara Jayne Stanes, chief executive, Royal Academy it Culinary Arts and founder of the Academy of Chocolate
- Adele Oxberry FIH, chief executive and founder, Umbrella Training Ltd
- Sam Coulstock FIH, business relations director, Umbrella Training Ltd
- Holly Langan, hospitality team member apprentice alumni & winner of Purple Umbrella Award 2019, The Ritz London.