Butcombe Pubs & Inns launches apprenticeship academy

13-Dec-2017 - Last updated on 13-Dec-2017 at 16:37 GMT

'Specialist knowledge': The Butcombe Futures Academy will see 12 assistant managers and 11 chefs complete tailored courses over the next year

In partnership with hospitality industry training provider HIT Training, Butcombe Pubs & Inns has launched a bespoke apprenticeship programme across its estate of 25 managed West Country pubs.

The Butcombe Futures Academy has been established in order to offer a structured development programme for ambitious team members to progress within the business.

Speaking about the new training venture, Jayson Perfect, managing director of Pubs & Inns The Liberation Group –Butcombe's parent company – commented: “The Futures Academy will provide our team members with specialist knowledge that’s relevant to their job roles, the business and its future growth. By creating a bespoke programme, the apprentices will acquire the skills and understanding of what’s required to run a successful business or head up a kitchen, providing them with the experience and inspiration to progress into their dream roles."

'Giving back to our staff'

Perfect added: “Working closely with HIT Training has allowed us to bring this vision to reality. As industry leaders, their forward-thinking, flexible nature has enabled us to create a true partnership which supports both our business growth and the development of our employees. For us, it’s very much about giving back to our staff. We expect a lot from them but so does the industry in general – they work hard and long hours but we want them to have fun in the job and feel invested in and valued.”

Divided into two career pathways, the academy is aimed at aspiring managers and chefs and will combine work-based learning with group training days run jointly by HIT and Butcombe.

Over the next year, 12 assistant managers will complete the Hospitality Supervisor Apprenticeship Standard in addition to first aid, stocktaking and health and safety qualifications. Apprentices will also take part in courses aimed at running pubs with accommodation.

Truly unique programme

Moreover, a cohort of 11 chefs will complete the Commis Chef Apprenticeship Standard through completion of a mixture of workshops, trade qualifications and visits to suppliers, farms and fisheries.

Jill Whittaker, managing director at HIT Training, added: “We’ve worked hand-in-hand with the team at Butcombe to construct a development programme which is truly unique.

“As a business, Butcombe is experiencing tremendous growth and as such provides many opportunities for professionals of all ages and experience levels to develop a successful career.

“Training programmes such as the Butcombe Futures Academy demonstrate the benefits that maximising the apprenticeship levy funding can bring – from addressing any skills gaps and upskilling teams to aiding recruitment and retention. We’re passionate about working with companies to develop high-quality schemes and grow their business.”