Fairmont St Andrews expands apprenticeship program

Fairmont St Andrews has expanded its Junior Hotelier Apprenticeship program by offering graduates the opportunity to complete a business degree with Dundee University, alongside six-month rotations in different departments across the luxury hotel. As part of the scheme, apprentices attend university once a week, with successful graduates receiving their Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ) along with a BSc (Hons) in Business Management upon completion of the programme. They will also gain practical experience through the six-month rotations, whilst earning a national living wage. Fairmont said the apprenticeship program teaches transferable skills and involves mentoring from senior members of staff, including the executive team, while the development of apprentices will be tracked via quarterly meetings. Apprentices will be able to gain experience in departments including the kitchen, housekeeping, food and beverage venues and front desk, in addition to golf management, green keeping, spa and business administration (finance, human resources, sales, marketing and events). The programme currently has 21 apprentices at different stages of the four-year program. The latest intake of six apprentices have completed their first semester in four departments under the mentorship of John Keating, general manager of Fairmont St Andrews and founder of the Junior Hotelier Apprenticeship. Keating said: “One of the biggest challenges we are facing now in the industry is maintaining the talent pool for hospitality and keeping the drive for young leaders. Future proofing the industry with educational opportunities is paramount. “As we welcome our new undergraduates to the programme, I look forward to sharing the passion, vision and expertise of my team with the next generation of hospitality leaders. This apprenticeship programme demonstrates our commitment to build a young workforce and invest in the local community and the future of luxury hospitality.” Marc Dardenne, COO Luxury Europe at Accor said: “The unique and impressive Junior Hotelier Apprenticeship Program created by John Keating has been instrumental in combatting misconceptions surrounding hospitality as a low-skilled job. “By offering young people an opportunity to gain recognised qualifications whilst earning a national living wage and working at one of Scotland’s leading 5* resorts, emerging talents are empowered with a holistic learning experience which accelerates their entry to the industry.” He added: “The Junior Hotelier Program reaffirms our commitment to building the talent of the future and nurturing growth and opportunities in the sector which is, today, ripe with opportunity as travel returns once more.” Fairmont St Andrews has developed the apprenticeship in partnership with the Scottish government, Xtra-mile.com, Skills Development Scotland and Dundee University.