Kitchen Manager Review

by Whitbread

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9.1/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Manage the kitchen team, stock and business ensuring the site is safe, compliant and legal. Coach the team to better their careers and progression plan.

7/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Since being on the apprenticeship I have developed my understanding of all aspects of managing a team and a business. I was promoted half way through the apprenticeship and the course has given me the confidence to excel in my career and turn around a problem site.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

My coach, is fantastic and has seen me through some really tough times. The course itself can sometimes be a little tedious and the LPC’s could do with being a little more streamlined. However there’s a lot of valuable information in the course.

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Could do with being more streamlined, overall very good.

9/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

From my line manager, lots. From the company, very little, admin hours should be given to get the LPC’s done, this way I would not have run over so much. Being at a problem site and complaining the apprenticeship has been a struggle.

7/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

So much! my tutor is brilliant, has helped me through tough time at site and through the apprenticeship, wouldn’t still be on the course without him. He is an asset to Lifetime training with so much knowledge and experience to offer. I really cannot express my gratitude enough to him for all he has done for me in the past months. Give this man a raise.

10/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

I have leant more being on the course than I would have if I wasn’t. Without the support of the apprenticeship I wouldn’t be as confident in my role or able to progress as quickly.

10/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Mostly charity events, I have been involved in a 5k for GOSH and a fun fair to raise money for the same charity in the past year.

10/10

9a. Would you recommend Whitbread to a friend?

9b. Why?

If I worked for Premier Inn I likely would, but there is a tremendous amount of pressure on restaurants and very little support especially for management. I am transferring to a different region for this reason and if things do not get better I will be leaving whitbread within the year.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Whitbread?

I would suggest going for a hourly paid role as my grill chefs take home more money than I do and work less hours with less responsibilities. Or working for Premier Inn, Whitbread restaurants are not the future for this company.