Winners of the awards, held in partnership with People 1st, will be revealed at a Parliamentary reception held by Skills Minister Matthew Hancock at the House of Commons on 6 December with all winners of the intermediate and advanced apprenticeship categories and the mentor of the year receiving an iPad and the chance to complete a week of work experience with a top employer such as Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons and The Westbury Hotel.
Suzy Jackson, executive director of the Hospitality Guild competition had been tough with almost 100 nominations received across the six categories.
“There were some really amazing stories – not just around the high level that the apprentices and their supporters have reached, but also how apprenticeships have affected individual people’s lives. The breadth of talent we have in our industry is inspiring,” she said.
The shortlisted nominees are:
Intermediate Apprentice of the Year
- Rebecca Dunn (Professional Cookery) – The Living Room
- David Palmer (Hospitality Services) – Red Lion Hotel
- Charlotte Bonser (Food and Beverage Service) – The Polite Vicar
Advanced Apprentice of the Year
- Philip Pagels (Professional Cookery) – Royal Households
- Emma Keeling (Hospitality Supervision and Leadership) – Ramada Hotel North
- Christopher Howarth (Patisserie and Confectionary) – Langar Hall Hotel and Restaurant
Apprenticeship Mentor of the Year
- Luke Holder, executive head chef – Lime Wood Hotel
- Matthew Lloyd, head chef – Park Royal Warrington
- Norman McKenzie, head chef – Rhinefield House Hotel
Employer of the Year: SME (less than 250 employees)
- DeVere Grand Harbour
- Lancaster Hotel
- Lime Wood Hotel
Employer of the Year: Large (more than 250 employees)
- McDonalds
- Puma
- Whitbread
Partnership of the Year
- Puma and Babcock International
- Mitchells & Butlers and Babcock International
- Hollybourne and HTP Training