University partners with top hotel brands to deliver groundbreaking apprenticeship

University of Gloucestershire is collaborating with Red Carnation Hotels, The Dorchester, JW Marriott Grosvenor House London and PPHE Hotel Group to deliver a new degree-level apprenticeship in hospitality management, from January 2024.

The apprenticeship combines the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship with specialist modules designed specifically for those working in today’s fast-paced hospitality industry. As such, apprentices will be working for a top hotel brand while simultaneously studying for an honours degree in Applied Hospitality Management from the University.

Upon successful completion, apprentices will also qualify for Chartered Manager status from the Chartered Management Institute.

The programme marks a significant collaboration by the hotels involved, who have come together with the University to create an innovative solution to an industry-wide skills shortage.

As such, apprentices working for the different brands will put rivalries aside and will learn together as a single cohort, sharing best practice and raising industry standards across the board. To best serve the requirements of these top London brands, teaching will be delivered via a ‘flying faculty’.

This means lectures and seminars will take place in London, with learners able to access libraries and other support functions remotely.

The hotels are in the process of recruiting apprentices to join these programmes and all the vacancies are currently advertised on the UCAS website. The University will be assisting by running a selection process, including possible candidate events in London.

It is hoped that the opportunities will be attractive to those who wish to undertake a degree but would prefer a more applied route to a traditional university education. As apprentices will be learning about the industry ‘on the job’, a wide range of experience and existing knowledge will be considered in determining if candidates are suitable.

Dr Polly Pick, Director of Business Engagement and Partnerships at University of Gloucestershire, said: “We are delighted to be launching this innovative new apprenticeship and to be working alongside these globally renowned brands in the process.

“Learners will benefit from access to a wider network of industry professionals with a cohort also running on campus in Gloucester from September 2023.

“We really believe that this collaboration has the potential to change how talent is developed and managed in this crucial sector, and we hope that the cohorts starting in September and January will be the first of many.”

Liz McGivern, Vice-President People and Culture for Red Carnation Hotels, said: “University of Gloucestershire truly listened to our needs and requirements and have been flexible and accommodating. 

“Being a CMDA Hospitality apprentice with University of Gloucestershire will put people a step ahead too. The University’s reputation goes before them and we are proud to be associated with them.”

James Goulding, Regional Director People & Culture for PPHE Hotel Group, said: “In response to the current labour market challenges, the degree apprenticeships will help us to develop a more motivated, skilled, and qualified workforce.

“The CMDA Hospitality will help us to develop a more sustainable talent pipeline, whilst improving levels of diversity and continuing our approach to continuous improvement within the business.”

Paul McDonald, Area Director of People and Culture at The Dorchester, said: “We are thrilled to be a part of this groundbreaking apprenticeship in hospitality management. By offering apprentices the chance to work with leading names in hospitality, we aim to revolutionise talent development in the sector.”

View the Red Carnation Hotels vacancies here: https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/1000187404

View The Dorchester vacancies here: https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/1000187612

View the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London vacancies here: https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/1000187592

View the PPHE Hotel Group vacancies here: https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/1000187552

Main image: University student Olivia Day on placement