Hospitality Guild unveils shortlist for first Apprenticeship Awards

Key players and individuals in the pub and bar sector have made it to the shortlist for the first Hospitality Guild Apprenticeship Awards.

The awards, which are being held in partnership with sector skills council People 1st, recognise the achievements of apprentices working in hospitality as well as the critical role that employers, providers and mentors play in the delivery of apprenticeships.

This year’s winners will be announced at a Parliamentary Reception with Matthew Hancock MP, minister for skills, at the House of Commons on 6 December.

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 Confectionery) – 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)

•    McDonald’s

•    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