Winning HospitalityApprentices Announced

On Tuesday (29 June) The Hospitality Skills Alliance teamed up with leading awarding body EDI and partners to announce the lucky winners of the Hospitality Apprenticeship Awards 2010.

Ramesh Budhathoki of the Sofitel London Heathrow won the coveted title of Hospitality Apprentice of the Year by impressing judges with his professionalism, determination to be the best in his chosen career and his support for other candidates.  Ramesh is following an Advanced Apprenticeship in Team Leading at the hotel, in conjunction with OakleighTraining and Development.

Ramesh scored top marks in his practical assessments and skill challenges during the heat stages, and was presented with his prize at the British Hospitality Association Annual Luncheon at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.  He wins a fantastic Disney Institute Bursary from The National Skills Academy for Hospitality to aid his ongoing professional development.

On collecting his award from Bob Cotton, Chief Executive of the BritishHospitality Association, Ramesh commented: “It was an absolute pleasure to be awarded “Hospitality Apprentice of the Year 2010”.  It made me realise how important the Hospitality Industry is to our economy and its contribution to young individuals.  It has helped young people like me to achieve professional qualifications and gain recognition whilst working full time and developing critical skills to carry out our job roles.  Sofitel London Heathrow has been very supportive in my ability to learn.”

Ramesh has also received a Finalist Graduation jacket courtesy of BRAGARD, as have the two other finalists:  Marcus Da Silva from the Crowne Plaza Victoria, London, and Jack Allibone from the House of Commons.  Marcus Da Silva, as this year’sr unner-up, will also receive an expenses-paid two day visit to the Ludlow Food Festival, courtesy of Wenlock Spring.

Barceló UK scooped the Hospitality Apprentice Employer of the Year title for consistent improvement of completion results, creating innovative and exciting apprenticeship programmes that inspire their learners.

Des Lawson, Human Resources Director at Barceló,said: “This award recognises our commitment to the Skills Pledge by offering vocational qualifications to all the team, a long with bespoke apprenticeship programmes such as the Barceló Apprentice Chefs’ Academy and our Pathways into Leisure. The apprenticeship framework has helped Barceló address skills gaps, whilst the success of our programme reflects the hard work and dedication of our apprentices.  By working with VT Training and Central Sports Management, we have designed programmes that go beyond the apprenticeship framework, enhancing the skills and knowledge of our learners.”

The Hospitality Apprentice Provider of theYear was awarded to New College Nottingham for delivering some highly innovative apprenticeship programmes with impressive results. Their entry was also endorsed by a comprehensive range of supportive references from employees,apprentices and employers.

Sacha McCarthy, Head of Catering and Hospitality School at New College, commented: “We are thrilled that the hard work and dedication of the team has been recognised and rewarded so significantly. New College Nottingham will continue to offer high quality apprenticeship programmes that meet the needs of employers within the Catering and Hospitality industry.”

The Awards are organised on behalf of the Hospitality Skills Alliance, by Hospitality and Leisure Manpower (HALM), their partners and supporters. They build on the success of the previous Hospitality Modern Apprenticeship competition.

Bob Cotton, Chief Executive of the BritishHospitality Association, said: “The Hospitality industry provides enormous opportunities for those with practical ability.  Many of those at the top of our industry started out as an apprentice.

“The British Hospitality Association is a great believer in the value of an Apprenticeship and is committed to grow their take up.  With additional backing and support from the new coalition Government now is an ideal time for employers totake on an Apprentice.”

David Curtis-Brignell, Director of Development Europe, for Millennium & Copthorne Hotels commenting at the Awards Presentation, added:

“As one of the UK's largest hotel companies, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels understands the need for well trained, committed professionals taking tourism and hospitality seriously and undergoing first class training. Congratulations to all the winners - the apprentices of today are tomorrow’s captains of industry.”

Gareth Phillips, Director of Sales and Business Strategyat EDI, said: “As a leading awarding body offering a wide range of hospitality qualifications, EDI is delighted to sponsor these awards to celebrate the contribution of apprentices in businesses around the UK. We’re delighted that the standard of entries was so high and we’d liket o extend our congratulations to all the winners.”

For more information visit: www.apprenticeships.halm.co.uk