Question
I'm a school leaver thinking of a career in hospitality. I've heard about a scheme called the Modern Apprenticeship and wondered how it could benefit me.
Answers
Johnny Johnson, communications manager, HCTC:
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) are an alternative to college, a new way to gain the skills and qualifications that employers want. Available to 16- to 24-year-olds, MAs are offered at two levels: foundation and advanced. You learn all aspects of your chosen career in a real job and you don't need to spend any time in a classroom. What's more, you get paid while you're learning. If you're already in a hospitality job, the chances are that you can do your qualification where you are, which makes things easy to organise. Many leading employers, such as Marriott, Greene King, Accor and Compass, are using Modern Apprenticeships as part of their integrated staff development programmes. For more information go to www.hctc.co.uk, www.lsc.gov.uk and www.springboarduk.org.uk.
Jane Sunley, managing director, Learnpurple:
The way MAs work is that an employer pays your wages and gives you on-the-job training, which allows you to achieve NVQs. You'll spend time with a learning provider, gaining key skills that'll be useful in the job market. In addition, you'll also study for a technical certificate, which will give you further knowledge and understanding of your job. You're guaranteed a basic wage or training allowance of at least £40 a week, although you could earn more, depending on your employer. There's a good website that will give you all the details you need at
www.realworkrealpay.info or you could ask your school careers adviser.
Philip Addison, human resources director, Accor Hotels UK & Ireland:
The MA route is an excellent way to start your career in hospitality and to gain NVQs that are valuable, nationally recognised qualifications.You can choose your area of specialisation and learn at a pace that suits you. We have a large number of MAs in Accor Hotels, and experience shows that there are three key components to success: the commitment of the in-house company trainer or mentor; the professionalism of the external development provider; and, of course, the commitment of the individual themselves.
I suggest you look for a well-recognised provider, such as the Hotel and Catering Training Company (www.hctc.co.uk), and for an employer who has experience of providing training for other MAs. Finally, ask yourself if you are prepared to stay the course, which can last up to three years. I hope you decide to give it a go and attain a level of success that many others entering the hospitality industry have already achieved.
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