Lime Wood and Tom Kerridge's new apprentice honoured at apprenticeship awards
Lime Wood Hotel in the New Forest and Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge's new apprentice Connor Black (pictured) were among those from the hospitality industry recognised at the HTP Award for Excellence held on 4 October at the Cowes Yacht Haven.
The accolades are designed to celebrate the outstanding contribution apprentices have made to their employers and recognise organisations that have demonstrated their commitment to apprenticeships at a time when youth unemployment is at an all-time high.
Lime Wood won the Employer of the Year award for its commitment to helping apprentices by providing them with effective training, support and career progression. The apprentices at the hotel are supported by head chef Luke Holder who has helped a number of aspiring youngsters hone their culinary skills and has encouraged them to take their careers in the hospitality sector to the next level.
Lime Wood currently has eight apprentices and is in the process of appointing a further four to join their kitchen brigade.
Tom Kerridge's new apprentice Connor Black was awarded the "Outstanding Work Experience Learner". Black began his apprenticeship at the Royal hotel on the Isle of Wight in 2010 with executive head chef, Alan Staley and will soon continue his apprenticeship at Tom Kerridge's the Hand and Flowers in Marlow, the first pub to have been awarded two Michelin stars.
The Hospitality Apprentice of the Year was awarded to Tom Wyeth at the UKSA, the maritime training and experiences charity. Others recognised at the awards include Jack Parr, at the De Vere Grand Harbour Southampton hotel and Hannah Atkins at the Royal hotel.
Rachael Fidler, managing director of HTP Training said: "The hospitality industry is one of the UK's most vibrant sectors and we are delighted to have been able to honour both the apprentices and the employers who have contributed to the success of the industry.
"I wish all our winners the very best and hope these awards inspire countless other youngsters and employers to replicate this success. They could all make a real difference to our economy."
The winners are as follows:
Employer of the Year (private sector) Lime Wood Hotel, New Forest
Employer of the Year (public sector) Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham
Hospitality Apprentice of the Year Tony Wyeth, UKSA
Outstanding Work Experience Learner Connor Black, the Hand & Flowers, Marlow
Outstanding Workplace Learner Shirley Helley, Isle of Wight NHS Trust
Management Apprentice of the Year Richard Myers, H.V. Taylor and Sons
Business Administration Apprentice of the Year Savannah Lee, Lifeline Alarm Systems
Health and Social Care Learner of the Year Kayleigh Pound, Maple House
Childcare Learner of the Year Vicki Butler, Ventnor Community Early Years
Foundation Learner of the Year Keilan James, Caulkheads
By Neil Gerrard
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