Searching for the apprenticeship stars of hospitality

To mark British Tourism Week (15-21 March) the Hospitality Skills Alliance has teamed up with awarding body EDI and partners to launch the Hospitality Apprenticeship Awards 2010.

The Awards celebrate practical skills, competence and achievement, with winners from each of the work areas within hospitality. These include professional food preparation and cookery, restaurant service (both bar and wine service skills), housekeeping, reception, portering, pub, concierge and customer service.

Entries are invited from everyone who is registered on, or recently completed, an apprenticeship or advanced apprenticeship in the hospitality industry, along with employers and providers across the UK.

The three categories are Apprentice of the Year, Apprentice Employer of the Year and Apprentice Provider of the Year and the closing date for entries is 14 May 2010.

On 29th June the Awards will be presented at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London as part of the British Hospitality Association Annual Lunch. The National Skills Academy for Hospitality is offering a fantastic Disney Bursary to the winner to help them develop their skills even further.

Chef Brian Turner who was once an apprentice himself said: "I was taught by many great and passionate people and I'm keen to encourage others to pass on their skills and knowledge and raise the profile of apprentices in the industry. To serve as an apprentice alongside a great mentor and teacher is the greatest start to any career. To be able to watch and learn someone who has worked at their trade, made mistakes and learnt how to correct them gives a craftsman a great start in life."

Words: Clare Riley

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