Hospitality industry bosses and MP support launch of new degree apprenticeship

Gloucester’s MP joined apprentices and representatives from University of Gloucestershire and globally renowned hotels brands to celebrate the official launch of a groundbreaking degree-level apprenticeship in hospitality management.

The University is collaborating with Red Carnation Hotels, The Dorchester, JW Marriott Grosvenor House London and PPHE Hotel Group to the deliver the first programme of its kind offered by a UK university to help address the hospitality industry-wide skills shortage.

The first intake of learners on the Hospitality Manager (Chartered Manager) degree apprenticeship programme were welcomed at a launch event at Park Plaza, County Hall in London.

The event provided the 16 apprentices with opportunities to talk informally about their ambitions with programme leads from the University, Red Carnation Hotels, The Dorchester, JW Marriott Grosvenor House London and PPHE Hotel Group.

Through the programme, the apprentices will gain valuable management skills and experience working for a top hotel in London while simultaneously studying for an honours degree in Applied Hospitality Management from the University.

Dr Gaurav Chawla, Programme Lead at the University, said: “We were thrilled to stand alongside our hotel partners in welcoming the first intake of learners to our unique apprenticeship and wish them every success during the course of their studies.

“We’re extremely proud to be collaborating successfully with globally renowned brands on the new degree apprenticeship that will provide learners with an opportunity to gain excellent experience within industry while simultaneously studying for an honours degree.”

Lucy, an apprentice working at Red Carnation Hotels’ Montague on the Gardens, said: “It’s been really great meeting all the other degree apprentices and talking about where they work.

“Before this, I was working in a kitchen because I had started a gap year to focus on work. I saw the apprenticeship advertised on Not Going to Uni and decided to apply, and I managed to get the position.

“I would definitely encourage someone to apply for an apprenticeship because if you get the role, it’s one of the best decisions you’ll make.”

High-quality international brands

Richard Graham, MP for Gloucester, said: “This is one of the most exciting things I have seen for a long time because it combines skills developed through the degree apprenticeship, with young people who want to forge ahead and go places, and one of the leading sectors for the whole of the country.

“This apprenticeship shows that University of Gloucestershire is innovating and acting as the leader in delivering this new course. Moreover, they are attracting fantastic businesses to support it, including groups like the Dorchester, JW Marriott, Red Carnation Hotels and Park Plaza Hotel Group.

“These are high-quality international brands and University of Gloucestershire is providing the skills for them. What a fantastic use of the apprenticeship levy.”

Main image: University of Gloucestershire learners from the degree-level apprenticeship in hospitality management at the launch event