Leading pub company, Punch Taverns is supporting its licensees across the country to enable pub team members who want to develop careers in the licensed trade through a nationally recognised Apprenticeship.
Punch has partnered with leading hospitality industry training provider, Charnwood Training Group, to deliver the BIIBAB Level 2 Apprenticeships in Licensed Hospitality – designed to enable pub employees to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding to build careers in the licensed trade.
Over 200 Punch licensees expressed an interest in an Apprenticeship training opportunity at one of Punch’s UK-wide licensee support road shows late last year. Fifty–five trainee Apprentices are already working through the qualification and Punch is progressing all other interest.
Two pub team members, Sarah Egan and Kelly Tandy, from Punch’s Hare and Hounds in Coventry are currently working through the qualification, which is structured so that all of the learning, training and assessing occurs naturally in the work place. The girls will have the support of their dedicated Charnwood training officer Katie Holloway and area manager Daniel Billetop as they work closely with them to deliver the training throughout their apprenticeships.
According to Punch licensee, Kate Huckvale the qualification is adding great value to her team member’s roles: “Sarah has worked for me over the past four years and this qualification will enhance her role within the trade and benefit her future. Kelly has also really developed her skills and knowledge whilst undertaking the qualification,” explains Kate.
“It will give them both a greater knowledge of the running of the business and provide due credit for the roles they play within the business,” she adds.
Kate is also completing the Level 3 Management Skills qualification herself: “It’s a great to be working towards a nationally recognised qualification and it’s a really useful refresher. It’s good that all three of us are studying together!”
Punch’s HR director, Jackie Burn comments: “With most employers believing that Apprenticeships provide higher overall productivity and lead to a more motivated workforce, we’re passionate about supporting our licensees and encouraging them to consider the value that a new Apprentice could add to their business.”
“The Apprenticeship in Licensed Hospitality has been specifically designed to meet the legislation and compliance requirements of hospitality businesses so we’re excited to see the Apprentices’ careers develop and the inevitable benefits to our licensee’s businesses.
“We’ve already seen the value of the Apprenticeship qualification at our Burton based support centre. Since we began working with Charnwood, 77 employees have now achieved a Level 2 or 3 Apprenticeship and progressed within the company as a result,” adds Jackie.
Licensees who take on a new Apprentice for the first time also benefit from a £1500 incentive payment (from the Government, processed by training provider Charnwood).
Daniel Billetop, Area Manager at Charnwood adds: “It’s fantastic to be working with Punch on the delivery of this qualification and great to hear the value that learners Kelly and Sarah are already deriving from it.
“We look forward to seeing many more licensees seeing the benefits to their businesses as a result of having an Apprentice on board.”
It’s easy to get started with Apprenticeships and licensees wishing to find out more about the £1,500 grant or how an Apprentice might be good for their business can call Charnwood for a chat on 0845 437 4000.