‘I will finish my apprenticeship with a degree and a wealth of experience’

A partnership between University of Gloucestershire and hotel and members’ club The Ned London to tackle the industry-wide skills gap in hospitality has been welcomed by learners benefiting from a ground-breaking degree-level apprenticeship.

The collaboration is enabling employees at The Ned to benefit from the career development opportunities offered by the University’s Hospitality Manager (Chartered Manager) degree apprenticeship. The programme is the first apprenticeship of its kind, and it is also formally accredited by the Institute of Hospitality.

The apprenticeship combines the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship with specialist modules designed specifically for those working in today’s fast-paced hospitality industry to meet a skills gap.

Apprentices gain valuable management skills and experience working for The Ned while at the same time studying for an honours degree in Applied Hospitality Management from the University, with lectures delivered at a ‘flying faculty’ at The Ned London.

Sarah Feechan (pictured), an apprentice on the programme at The Ned, said: “I love to learn and I’ve known from a very young age that I wanted to go to university and get a degree.

“I was introduced to the concept of degree apprenticeships while in school, but they made it seem as though they were unattainable and were a much longer route than traditional university.

“Whilst looking at the options available to me during my gap year, I became more interested in the idea of a degree apprenticeship because I realised that it would enable me to have more financial independence throughout university.

“Through the Hospitality Manager (Chartered Manager) degree apprenticeship, I’ve learned a lot about the type of manager that I’d like to be going forward in my career.

“Being able to put into practice at The Ned what I learn at University is extremely beneficial. I truly appreciate that I will finish my degree with not just a degree, but also a wealth of experience.”

Making a positive impact

In 2017 The Ned London opened in the former Midland Bank headquarters which was originally designed by Sir Edwin ‘Ned’ Lutyens in 1924. Today the building is home to 250 bedrooms, 10 restaurants and 17 bars. There’s also a members-only Ned’s Club, which gives access to a rooftop pool, gym, spa and late-night lounge bar created in the original vault of the bank.

Sarah Feechan added: “Before starting my apprenticeship with The Ned and University of Gloucestershire, I’d never worked in luxury hospitality before or even stepped foot in a luxury hotel or high-end restaurant.

“I love the conversations that I have with guests and that we all walk away from them with smiles on our faces – it feels great to have made a positive impact on someone else’s day.”