Hotel Manager Review

Managing the the team and ensuring all targets are met and guests are happy. I also perform checks to ensure we are compliant with legislation regarding health and safety and finances etc. I am also responsible for training and recruitment as well as the progression and wellbeing of my existing team.

I have learnt a lot more about the business as a whole and what goes into the decisions and changes that are brought in. I have gained a wider perspective of what it means to run a successful hotel and the work required behind the scenes. It has also helped me to be more organised and prioritise my time and my workload more effectively.

I enjoyed the programme more once I got into it as I was also promoted to a higher role. As I moved up in the business I was able to see the value of the content I was working through for my apprenticeship more as I could relate it to my real life.

The programme was well structured though I found a lot of the learning plan was already covered by the training I had to complete for my role. There was a lot of work to complete and it was challenging for me to find the time during busier business periods however upon completion of my mock assessment my learning coach was able to narrow down the learning plan to just the topics I needed help with. After this the workload was much more enjoyable and manageable as I found it more relevant and useful to me personally and where I was with my development

I had several different line managers over the course of my apprenticeship and I received varying levels of support from each though I recognise that this was due to their own workload and not that they didn't want to support my apprenticeship I feel Whitbread could do slightly more to support the line managers of apprentices and educate them on what it means to be a good mentor to these team members as unless they have completed the apprenticeship themselves they may not understand what is involved.

My learning coach was excellent despite the fact I frequently had to rearrange meetings and fell behind on my learning plan he was very understanding and supportive. I was able to contact him any time and he was always quick to respond. Everyone I spoke to at Lifetime were helpful and friendly.

It helped boost my confidence as I felt ready for my next career step and had a qualification to prove this. Having completed an apprenticeship myself also helps me as I now have team members that I manage completing apprenticeships and I am able to help them through their own qualification knowing exactly what is involved.

Whitbread do a lot of fundraising for Great Ormand Street and there are various fundraising events that employees can get involved in throughout the year. There are Pride events hosted by the LGBTQIA+ Network GLOW. We also have the Whitbread celebrates conference annually which a select number of team from each site get to attend. We receive regular communications about all of the different events and all are encouraged to participate regardless of what level they work at.

Yes

I have been able to build a career that works for me and my family with flexible shift patterns and multiple site locations. I have also had the opportunity to work across both restaurants and hotels and have gained a lot of knowledge and skill from each. I have made lifelong friends and have met so many interesting people. Every day is different and this is something I love about my job.

Have an open mind and explore different progression paths as there are so many different jobs available within the company and progression is always encouraged and supported. Be willing to try new things, look after your fellow team and always put the guests first as this is the key to success.