The event, which took place last Thursday (6 March) and was attended by 120 guests, featured a showcase exhibition to highlight the talent of young apprentices from a number of high-profile companies chosen from a variety of UK industries.
Apprentices were introduced to Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne MP and Minister for Skills and Enterprise Matthew Hancock MP.
Hospitality apprentices
Three apprentices from Charnwood Training Group, which delivers vocational training across the hospitality industry, and two from Robinsons Brewery made the journey down south, chosen for their commitment to training, willingness to learn and progress in the hospitality industry.
It is the second year in a row that Charnwood has been invited to No. 10, but the first for the family brewer, which delivers training opportunities to young people wishing to work in the hospitality industry in the North West.
Aged between 17 and 35 years the apprentices had the opportunity to work alongside the Government’s professional catering team to prepare a selection of delicate canapés showcasing the sophisticated skills they had learnt on their programmes.
Fiona Drake, from the George & Dragon in Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, and one of the apprentices at the event, said: “To be given an experience like this was amazing! I enjoyed the day so much and I have taken away some good knowledge that I can use on my apprenticeship.”
'Fantastic opportunity'
Charnwood managing partner Jeremy Scorer said: “This event is a fantastic opportunity for our apprentices and Robinsons Brewery to be involved in. I hope the experience of working with professional staff in such a prestigious location encourages and inspires them to pursue a long-term career in the hospitality industry.”
David Bremner, director of marketing at Robinsons, added: “Too often hospitality is overlooked as an industry with progression possibilities. Those involved love what we do – running British pubs and bars – and we want to see the next generation viewing this as a career decision with clear development opportunities and not just a temporary position.
“These apprenticeship schemes will help young people learn skills and responsibilities that will facilitate their next step up the career ladder.”