Duty Manager Review

Counting the safe, running the hotel in the absence of the DHM. Highest levels of customer service from reception to bar and restaurant work. Running shifts and ensuring the team have a good morale and are following all of the laws and legislations as well as Whitbread and Premier Inns' policies and procedures. 1-1 reviews, hosting meetings and reviews.

I have vastly developed my confidence with knowing my strengths and improving my weaknesses. I have enhanced leadership and management skills I already had, and learnt new methods to progress further with my capabilities of running a hotel.

I have highly enjoyed my apprenticeship so far, and look forward to continuing the final few modules. I have been so enthused by the criteria and support that I am progressing through the course at a good speed, whilst ensuring I am retaining the information. I have already said to [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] that I may put in a request to do the level 4, or another course to do with hospitality after this one.

The structure of the programme has been brilliant. The introduction module gave you a great overview of the basics that are to be covered and slowly introduces you to each section piece by piece, by way of not therefore being overwhelming. As you progress through the modules they all start to 'click' together and you begin to see how each sector relates to a previous one.

My employer has been very supporting throughout my experience. I have outside of work commitments that during my personal SWOT analysis, I was afraid may stop me from having time to complete the required weekly timeframe for work to be done. However, my boss has made it so that I can have some allotted time at work during shifts to have the support and time I need to make sure I get work done.

After my introduction module my original trainer left the company and for a couple of weeks there was a slight lack of communication and a few things were missed. However, since being assigned to [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions], I have had all the support I have needed. During our phone calls she has always stressed that I can contact her whenever I feel stuck or confused with anything which is very helpful to know, and truly beleive. She has great enthusiasm for teaching and has all round been an amazing support towards my confidence and self belief. We have covered anything missed and progressed at a good pace. -Thank you!

I personally feel that the qualification has already, and will certainly continue to help me within my current role. I have new methods of leadership and management skills to put in place where and when they may be needed, and already feel more confident that I can do my role to an advanced level.

Unfortunately currently we don't have any extra curricular activities at my work place- that I am aware of. We sometimes meet up outside of work for a social get together, which I do feel helps to bond the team externally to the company as we have become friends as well as colleagues

Yes

Whitbread have by far been my favourite company to work for during my career years. Previously I have worked for a few retail brands and always felt as if I was just an employee number. There was always potential to progress however there was limited support. Whereas, in my two years with Whitbread so far, I have progressed from beginner front of house to Duty manager at experienced level. They have the best policies and procedures and internal training programmes I have received, and have been brilliant support both financially and emotionally throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic so far, unlike so many other large employers. Through Whitbread I have also received external training to enhance my skills, such as this training programme, a first aid course and my personal license.

Be honest, and they will be honest with you. The company is great to work for, and of you commit to them, you can expect the same in return. When I was offered my promotion, I was scared that I would potentially struggle or not get the position due to external family commitments meaning I could not be as flexible as other potential candidates, however my bosses saw that I was striving and eager to progress, and therefore helped work my hours around my personal schedule. Which again, other companies have previously refused to do.