Interstate Hotels & Resorts are rolling out a busy week of activities to celebrate all the benefits apprenticeships can bring as part of National Apprentice Week. Here, Lorna Reid, our HR operations manager, and Helen Buckler, our Head of Learning & Development, share the details on what Interstate is getting up to during the week.

National Apprenticeship Week runs from 4-8 March and is a true celebration of the many great benefits that apprenticeships can have to employees taking part, employers and even to the wider community and economy. Following on from the record-breaking week last year, 2019 is looking to push on and continue that great work.

There is a real focus throughout the organisation and we are going to be celebrating in our own special way throughout the week!

There are currently 28 employees enrolled on our apprenticeship courses and we want to see that number rise. So we’re starting the week by reminding all of our employees just how great the programme is.

We have sent out posters, full of wonderful facts about apprenticeships and our scheme, that will be displayed in all of our hotels. They also include details of how our hotels can get involved and take on more great talent!

We’ll be running presentations during our Food Safety Management System workshops to make sure we connect with the food and beverage teams across our hotels too. There will be giveaways of factsheets here too, and a recipe book.

Another important step is the introduction of our apprenticeship champions. These will be experts and the first port of call for any questions about the programme. They include team members from all levels and departments who are passionate about the programme and want to help to expand it.

But of course, we are not just delivering this message internally. We will also be sharing some inspiring testimonials across our social media channels about how brilliant the apprenticeship programme has been for some of our past and current participants.

We have seen apprentices develop their skills across our portfolio and really become an integral part of our Interstate teams.

We want to inspire as many people as possible to get involved and create opportunities for them to come and make their mark. That is what this week is all about.

Have a great National Apprenticeship Week 2019!