A step on the career ladder...
Since joining Brend Hotels in October 2015, Liam has completed an apprenticeship with our HIT Training academy and now manages the restaurant team at Saunton Sands Hotel. Making an impression since he first started working for the company, we’re certain that Liam will inspire young people to consider an apprenticeship at the Brend Collection.
Apprentice of the year 2019
Liam joined our apprenticeship scheme in August 2016, after he’d been working at The Park Hotel part time for a year alongside his studies. Since starting work at The Park, Liam soon realised how much he loved working with people and the industry as a whole, and felt that a career in hospitality would suit his personality. So when he finished school, it was a no brainer for him to enquire about our apprenticeship opportunities and he started at The Imperial Hotel soon after.
Liam was crowned ‘Apprentice of the year’ in 2019 after gaining both level 2 and 3 HIT Training qualifications. Having started at The Imperial Hotel as a 16 year old porter, now at 22 he is very proud to be the Restaurant Manager of Saunton Sands Hotel. He said “the training I received within my apprenticeship is second to none. I've had all types of training from coffee portering to running a wedding of 180 people, but the most valuable experience I have found is being taught how to conduct myself not only as a hospitality professional but as a man.”
What's next for Liam?
Liam’s plan is to continue to improve as a manager and has also recently decided to take his Level 4 HIT Training course. He said “Every day I wake up and look forward to coming to work and seeing my colleagues. I still feel as passionate now as I did 7 years ago. I left school with 2 GCSE'S and now I lead a team within the flagship Hotel in the group, so I think it’s fair to say that starting the apprenticeship was the best decision I ever made.”
I’m sure you’ll all agree that Liam is doing a fantastic job and is such an inspiration to young people. With his passion, dedication and commitment to the hospitality industry, we are confident that he will have a long and successful career with the company.
Part of the family
Following in his dad’s footsteps who has also worked for the Brend Collection for more than 30 years, Liam loves that he works for a family run business. “I love the atmosphere of Brend's where you feel like you are part of a family. I try to incorporate this within running my department trying to ensure that all my team get along and that there is a family like environment from the moment they walk in”.
Considering an apprenticeship?
If you’d like to follow Liam’s path and are also considering an apprenticeship, take a look at our website for more information or our apprenticeship opportunities or apply online today. Our selection of courses cover all aspects of hospitality and include cheffing, customer service and hospitality management. So whether you are fresh out of school and considering an apprenticeship, looking to develop your skillset or would like a new challenge, our Brend Academy might just be what you are looking for.
We asked Liam for words of wisdom to help inspire some young apprentices: “If you are good with people, keen to learn and do not enjoy school-like environment like myself, then an apprenticeship with Brend could be the right path for you. You can earn while you learn and you won’t regret it!
