Hospitality sector’s young guns honoured at first awards

The hospitality sector’s rising stars have been recognised at the recent Hospitality Guild’s inaugural Young Hall of Fame and Apprenticeship Awards.

Inducted as the first batch into the Young Hall of Fame and Apprenticeship Awards, 25 of the sector’s hottest young talents were honoured by making the grade in a reception with MP Matthew Hancock, Minister for Skills, at the House of Commons.

The night was a great success, with Intermediate Apprentice of the Year Charlotte Bonser commenting: “When I found out that I had been nominated, I was really pleased, and then when I was told that I had been shortlisted, I could barely believe it!

“I am so excited to have won,” said Charlotte, who won a week’s career development experience at the Westbury Hotel in Mayfair as part of the award. “I absolutely love my job and to receive an award for something I love to do is amazing.”

MP Matthew Hancock said: “Events such as this are essential for promoting careers in hospitality and demonstrating the huge opportunities that are available in this important sector.

“I would also like to congratulate the Guild on its success. Since its foundation it has been a passionate advocate for apprenticeships, bringing the industry together, and we see the results here today.”

Suzy Jackson, executive director of the Hospitality Guild, said that the awards and Young Hall of Fame concept recognise and celebrate young people’s achievements within the hospitality industry.

“The Young Hall of Fame recognises rising stars and demonstrates the professionalism and exciting career opportunities hospitality offers. By pulling all their success into one showcase, you see the size of the hospitality sector.

“With new joiners each year, I truly believe that it will motivate further generations into our industry and increase the public’s awareness of and pride in the professionalism that young people deliver across the diverse hospitality industry.”

The winners of the Hospitality Guild Apprenticeship Awards were: Intermediate Apprentice of the Year, Charlotte Bonser (Food and Beverage Service); deputy general manager, the Polite Vicar, Spirit Pub Company; Advanced Apprentice of the Year, Emma Keeling (Hospitality Supervision and Leadership), front of house supervisor, Ramada Birmingham North – Cannock; Apprenticeship Mentor of the Year, Norman MacKenzie; head chef, Rhinefield House Hotel, Hand Picked Hotels; Employer of the Year, SME (less than 250 employees), Lime Wood Hotel; Employer of the Year, Large (more than 250 employees), Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants; Partnership of the Year, Mitchells & Butlers and Babcock International Group.

Suzy Jackson continued: “These awards, which are being delivered in partnership with People 1st, promote the industry as a great place to work, and recognise the value apprenticeships offer and the support apprentices receive from employers, providers and mentors to meet their career ambitions.”

Advanced Apprenticeship winner, Emma Keeling, will be given the chance to gain career development experience at Raymond Blanc’s internationally renowned two-Michelin starred restaurant and hotel, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons.

Mentor of the Year Norman MacKenzie will be offered the opportunity to be mentored by Michelin-starred chef, Michael Caines, while one of the Young Hall of Fame winners will be offered a career development opportunity at the Goring.

The awards received the full support of the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), the Professional Association for Catering Education (PACE) and the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP).

The complete list of Young Hall of Fame inductees and Apprenticeship Award winners can be found on the Hospitality Guild website and for more on Hand Picked Hotels visit their website.

Image: (L-R) Suzy Jackson, Brian Turner CBE and Intermediate Apprentice of the Year Charlotte Bonser.