Celebrating Apprenticeships during National Apprenticeship Week

This week is National Apprenticeship Week. There is no better way to be celebrating apprenticeships than by having an award ceremony. That is exactly what Umbrella Training did last night to celebrate their Apprentice graduates and winner of their inaugrual Purple Umbrella Apprentice of the Year Award.

The award recognises apprentices that have really gone above and beyond during their apprenticeship with Umbrella. The criteria for the award was for the apprentice to be able to demonstrate:

  • Outstanding achievement – quality of workmanship
  • Commitment – good timekeeping and attitude
  • Adding value – the use of initiative to improve workplace processes and/or quality
  • Personal development – how the apprentice has benefited from his/her training in terms of maturity and workmanship

This year’s winner is Sarah Nerys-Judge, Chef Apprentice from the Hyatt Regency London Churchill Hotel. She is pictured above with Adele Oxberry, Managing Director of Umbrella Training and Brian Turner CBE who was their special guest speaker.

How did Sarah demonstrate the above criteria?

I was honoured to be on the judging panel for this award. The reason Sarah won was because during her apprenticeship she has worked in several different kitchens. As she was being taught she would take photos, notes and ask questions to enhance her understanding. She has never missed a day, and is always punctual. Due to her can do attitude she is an inspiration to her other team members. Whilst in the kitchens she has been involved in menu planning  and created her own dessert. Sarah is the BHA (British Hospitality Association) Apprenticeship Ambassador having been involved in the Big Conversation. She has grown to become a confident Chef and has taken part in Umbrella’s Culinary Club. She will also feature in their next Kitchen Inspiration video. Sarah is the face of Umbrella.

The entries to these award were so strong that there were also two apprentices that received a Highly Commended award and they were Harry Sellick, Luggage Porter at The Goring and Ernestina de Ceita, Food and Beverage Supervisor at The Georgian House Hotel. It was wonderful to see the achievements of these apprentices. So do watch out for these rising stars.