The awards, which are being held in partnership with People 1st, recognise and celebrate the achievements of apprentices working in hospitality and emphasise the critical role that employers, providers and mentors play in the delivery of apprenticeships.
During the event inspirational young professionals from throughout the hospitality industry will be inducted into the Hospitality Guild’s Young Hall of Fame, which collectively showcases the initiatives and awards of the Guild’s partner organisations.
Suzy Jackson, executive director of the Hospitality Guild, said that competition was tough among nominees, with almost 100 nominations received across the six categories.
“The quality of the nominations was impressive and there were some really amazing stories – not just around the high level that the apprentices and their supporters have reached, but also how apprenticeships have affected individual people’s lives.
“Reading the nominations was both amazing and humbling. The breadth of talent we have in our industry is inspiring,” she said.
The shortlisted nominees for the Hospitality Guild Apprenticeship Awards are:
Intermediate Apprentice of the Year
Rebecca Dunn (Professional Cookery) – The Living Room
David Palmer (Hospitality Services) – Red Lion Hotel
Charlotte Bonser (Food and Beverage Service) – The Polite Vicar
Advanced Apprentice of the Year
Philip Pagels (Professional Cookery) – Royal Households
Emma Keeling (Hospitality Supervision and Leadership) – Ramada Hotel North
Christopher Howarth (Patisserie and Confectionary) – Langar Hall Hotel and Restaurant
Apprenticeship Mentor of the Year
Luke Holder, Executive Head Chef – Lime Wood Hotel
Matthew Lloyd, Head Chef – Park Royal Warrington
Norman McKenzie, Head Chef – Rhinefield House Hotel
Employer of the Year: Large (more than 250 employees)
McDonalds
Puma
Whitbread
Employer of the Year: SME (less than 250 employees)
DeVere Grand Harbour
Lancaster Hotel
Lime Wood Hotel
Partnership of the Year
Puma and Babcock International
Mitchells & Butlers and Babcock International
Hollybourne and HTP Training
The winners of the Intermediate and Advanced Apprenticeship categories and the Mentor of the Year will each receive an iPad and will be offered the opportunity to undertake a specially tailored week of professional development work experience.
Businesses that have committed to providing this work experience include Raymond Blanc’s internationally renowned two-Michelin star restaurant and hotel, Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, and the Westbury Hotel in Mayfair.
The new awards have the full support of the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), the Professional Association for Catering Education (PACE) and the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP).