
1st September 2009
Whitbread achieves top grade for hospitality programme
Whitbread has achieved an 'Outstanding' grade for its hospitality and catering training programme following an inspection by Ofsted.
The hotel and restaurant group has also been awarded a 'Good' overall grade for its skills for life training provision. The Ofsted inspectors use a four-point scale, (Grade 1 - Outstanding, Grade 2 - Good, Grade 3 - Satisfactory and Grade 4 - Inadequate), to summarise their judgements about achievement and standards, the quality of the provision, the leadership and management of the programme. In deciding the scope of the inspection, inspectors take account of Whitbread's most recent self-assessment report, development plans and comments from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). Mirium Uzoka, Premier Inn Elstree/Borehamwood who is working towards her Apprenticeship in Front Office and has achieved her Skills for Life Numeracy qualification at level 2, said: "Doing the apprenticeship has helped me learn in way that is convenient for me, through hands on experience on the job. It has given me more choices in my career." Alan Parker, chief executive officer of Whitbread commented: "I am delighted with the results of the Ofsted Report. Our people are at the heart of our business, so it is important that we provide opportunities for everyone to develop and gain qualifications. By offering this kind of training, I believe that we can and do attract the very best talent in the hospitality sector."