Dorchester Collection's UK hotels launch apprenticeship programme
The Dorchester Collection's three UK hotels intend to take on 100 apprentices over the next three years.
Known as the UK Achieve programme, the initiative will support the company's training opportunities for interns and graduates.
Roland Fasel, regional director UK and general manager of the three hotels, said: "We are proud to launch a programme that demonstrates a work-based route into an industry that is dynamic and rewarding.
"In line with the Government's thinking, we see the value of investing in our apprentices so that they find themselves in a career they genuinely appreciate with the best possible grounding. In addition, the opportunity for our apprentices to learn from and work with some of the world's most talented chefs and individuals in a company collection constantly held up as the industry leader will undoubtedly benefit the hospitality industry as a whole."
Students will work between 8am and 5pm during the first year, receive full employee benefits and take part in off-site visits to suppliers.
The top performing apprentices in each department will have the chance to spend a week in one of the Dorchester Collection's overseas hotels, such as the Beverly Hills hotel in Los Angeles or Le Meurice in Paris.
Overseeing the implementation of the new programme will be the newly appointed education programmes and labour productivity manager, Robin Vermeire, who will also be responsible for driving the company's intern, trainee and graduate schemes.
Vermeire started his career as a food & beverage management trainee at the Vila Sol Algarve in Portugal before moving to the Marriot Grosvenor Square, London, where he worked in front office, sales and marketing and then housekeeping. He joined 45 Park Lane as part of the opening housekeeping team and was later promoted to assistant executive housekeeper at the Dorchester before his new appointment in human resources.
Vermeire said he was delighted to be discovering and working with the talent of the future. "I'm looking forward to showing our new students the value of getting vocational work experience in a world renowned company committed to individual growth and excellence."
