The DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House hotel has been shortlisted for a local award thanks to its apprenticeship programme which helps students kick-start their careers in the hospitality industry.
The four-star boutique hotel in Congresbury is shortlisted in the Large Employer of the Year category of the Weston College Business Awards, which take place on May 25.
The awards recognise the hard work and commitment of apprentice employers and celebrate students’ progress, dedication to training and the outstanding impact they have made on the businesses employing them.
Hotel general manager Mehmet Kandemir said: “We currently have eight apprentices working in several departments of the business, from the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse to customer services and the maintenance team.
“Over the years we have had many, many success stories with our apprentices and there is nothing that makes us more proud than developing an apprentice or trainee into a fully-fledged member of the team with a permanent position.”
The hotel recently promoted Sam Fowler, who started as a maintenance apprentice in December 2012, to maintenance manager while Natasha Leckie is the latest in a long line of kitchen apprentices to complete her course and be offered a role as a commis chef in the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse kitchen.
Mehmet added: “We’re delighted that our efforts to develop young hospitality talent has been recognised and we are looking forward to celebrating the achievements of both students and employers at the ceremony.”
The Doubletree by Hilton, Cadbury House is a popular luxury wedding, conference and leisure venue and has two onsite restaurants by Marco Pierre White, an award-winning health club and spa and 132 bedrooms.
