Apprentice Supervisor Review

I am physically in the pub 5 days a week working shifts (usually starting at 12 until no longer needed) FOH and BOH along with coming in early and learning back office systems. On my days off I have to complete online self teaching work and occasional webinars with the external training company ‘Lifetime’.

I have learnt many new skills especially how to work under high pressure in the kitchen along with how it functions and how to prepare meals. I have learnt a lot of laws and legislations around the industry and how the back office systems works along with learning how to take and upload food orders.

I enjoy my work and get on very well with my coworkers however the pressure passed from customers can be very stressful especially with angry customers or in the kitchen. The online work is good however finding the time to complete it along with winding down alone especially with skills days or webinars.

It is a good online learning system structure through ‘Lifetime Training’ however the communication from the training provider to general manager isn’t the best and can cause confusion for days off to attend meetings and webinars, especially if they are moved or cancelled. Within the pub there is good structure but again lack the link from work to training.

My employer states that he will support and help however when he is not around the training can lack. He says how he will give me less hours if I need more time to complete my online work however especially with the current economic climate it is hard to afford the basics with less hours.

My training provider and coach are very supportive and helps set goals to complete however again struggles to communicate and enforce this to my employer to then work towards. We have regular catch up calls and meetings to go over latest off the job hours and progress along with preparation for the EPA.

When relevant to the work I complete, depending on where I am placed in the pub, my apprenticeship training is very relevant and can help me understand and give tips to leading the team and communicating between FOH, BOH and customers. It also helps teach me the laws and legislations to enforce whilst on shift.

There are no extra-curricular activities at my work. There have been ideas however especially due to the shifts and pub always being open it is hard to get all (or enough staff) to participate to run any social activity. There have been efforts to close the pub and all participate however there isn’t much support for it.

Yes

It can be very rewarding and fun to work for, however you need to learn the fall backs of the hospitality industry. The apprenticeship is very good too but you need to be self leading to crack on with the learning and try your best to communicate changing training events to you’re management.

Be self leading, understand the challenges and difficulties of the industry and be comfortable to speak to your manager about things you need to help and for you to complete your apprenticeship. Try to understand the company benefits system and make the most of this to help your day to day life outside of work.