De Vere is one of the first hotel companies to join the Academy of Food and Wine Service’s Academy Centre of Excellence scheme. The group’s De Vere Academy of Hospitality has gained recognition as an ACE training centre, meaning that it has achieved a high standard of excellence for its front-of-house training.
The training is already showing dividends, with the group’s star apprentice James Clark, 19, (pictured left) becoming a finalist in next year’s national Somerston Hotels Annual Awards. He has now been offered the position of Guest Services Manager at Hampton by Hilton.
After training as an apprentice in Customer Service with the De Vere Academy of Hospitality in Liverpool, James gained the qualifications and skills needed to secure a job with ‘Hampton by Hilton’. Within just three months, he received valuable recognition, winning ‘Employee of the Quarter’.
James said: “I can’t believe I’ve been nominated. I’m so happy. Without the De Vere Academy, I wouldn’t have achieved this. The Academy’s Customer Service programme was incredible. It gave me the practical skills and the confidence to look after customers; now, I love talking to them and making them feel special.”
“We’re delighted for James. He’s a great credit to us. James has the passion and ambition to succeed. He’s not shy of hard work, is eager to learn and most importantly, works very well with the team. These are values we highly regard.” said Louise Cross, Deputy Hotel Manager, Hampton by Hilton Liverpool.
Kellie Rixon, the Academy’s Managing Director, says “James is a talented hospitality star of the future. Our goal is about creating a sustainable skilled workforce that will benefit the visitor economy throughout the UK. Most of our apprentices are not in education, employment or training when they start and just need an opportunity to flourish – thankfully young people like James are grabbing it with both hands and we are delighted with just how well they are doing.”
Facts about the De Vere Academy:
- 100% of graduates who completed the course achieved the full level 2 qualification
- 15% of graduates have secured a full time role within De Vere Group
- 38% of graduates have secured a permanent position with one of our partners
- 14% of graduates have moved onto further education
- 5% of graduates have secured a permanent position outside the hospitality industry
- 28% of graduates are working with Connexions to use their new skills and qualification to find permanent work
- Online applications on www.devereacademy.co.uk
