Hotel books in to national awards with apprenticeship nomination
Lee Parsons, operations director at Maes Manor Hotel, with apprentices from the business.
A hotel based in the Blackwood mountains has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award after it successfully implemented an apprenticeship programme to develop and improve employment opportunities at the business.
Maes Manor Hotel, Blackwood, is one of 36 finalists in 13 categories of the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2013, organised jointly by the Welsh Government and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW). The business is shortlisted for the Small Employer of the Year award.
The awards recognise the outstanding achievements of learners, employers and providers involved in the delivery of quality apprenticeships and other work-based learning programmes across Wales. The Apprenticeship Programme is funded by the Welsh Government with the support of the European Social Fund.
The winners will be announced at a high profile awards ceremony at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport on Friday, October 18.
Maes Manor Hotel introduced an apprenticeship programme two years ago to increase moral and productivity. With the emphasis on improving employment opportunities, practices and procedures, along with customer service, the hotel now employs 10 apprentices.
“We decided that by encouraging and committing staff members to undertake an apprenticeship, supported by a quality training programme, would help to create a more focused team,” said Lee Parsons, operations director.
“While learning through the apprenticeship programme, the employees can build career goals and begin a path to success, ensuring more commitment from them within their roles and a commitment from the employer to encourage career progression within their job role.”
Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Ken Skates said: “The Apprenticeship Awards Cymru remind us of the incredible wealth of talent that Wales has to offer and the outstanding achievements of Wales’ learners, employers and learning providers.
“Apprenticeships play an integral role in our economy. Not only do they provide essential skills and qualifications, but are in themselves life-changing opportunities for young people and, for employers, a major investment that’s paying real dividend to their bottom line and in the skills of their workforce.
“We know that apprenticeships deliver real business benefits and that’s why the Welsh Government, with support from the European Social Fund, continues to invest heavily in opportunities for young people to take up apprenticeships and continues to support employers who want to invest in the future of their workforce.
“Through their passion and dedication, the finalists announced at this year’s awards will inspire countless others to strive for excellence and demonstrate the tremendous impact that vocational training can have. I wish all of our finalists the very best as they continue to make great contributions in their chosen fields.”
Showcasing excellence in skills development in Wales, the awards are sponsored by Pearson PLC with support from media partner, Media Wales.
More than 300 key stakeholders from the vocational education and training sector across Wales are expected to attend the high profile awards ceremony, where guests will dine out with chefs from the Welsh National Culinary Team.
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