Each year team members can apply to join a 2 year modular programme to develop their food and beverage service skills.
There's on and off job learning, a mentor in the work place and a variety of external speakers including Michelin starred Chef, Steven Doherty and Andy Morris, Operations Director for Ribble Valley Inns. The programme has been designed in conjunction with Kendal College and students will gain a recognised NVQ level 3 qualification with an opportunity to progress on to a Foundation Degree. And through our contacts in the trade we've got a very special graduation ceremony lined up - at the world renowned Louis Roederer Champagne house, in Epernay, France.
It's open to anyone who works within the group - but with limited places each year - we expect competition to be fierce.
2010/11 Graduates
The class of 2011 attended their Graduation Dinner at Cottons Hotel and Spa, and then flew out to Champagne the next day for a 2 day tour of the region, hosted by Louis Roederer.
Our eight graduates are:
James Pomlett - Assistant Manager, The Lion at Settle
Matt Harris - Assistant Manager, The Solent Hotel and Spa
Ian Dawkins - Assistant Manager, The Aztec Hotel and Spa
Danny Holder - Sous Chef at The Millstone
Danny Marshall - Bar and Courtyard Supervisor, The Thorpe Park Hotel and Spa
Lynne Kelly - Bar Supervisor, The Cottons Hotel and Spa
Lucy Simmonds - Food Services Supervisor, The Kettering Park Hotel and Spa
Kerry Anne Jones - Waitress, The Cottons Hotel and Spa
Tony Spencer, Managing Director of Shire Hotels hosted the evening for the graduates, and also for sponsors - Louis Roederer Champagne, Total Foodservice Solutions and Tchibo coffee - as a thank you for their support.
The Shire Hotels Food and Drink Academy is now in its 3rd year and is a 2 year module based programme run by Kendal College that results in NVQ qualifications.