It’s National Apprenticeship Week – a time where we shine a light on our talented apprentices and celebrate their successes and progression in the workplace. Discover more about the training and leadership courses we offer our employees below.
At The Grove, we are proud to have 25 apprentices, each of whom are undertaking various levels of training across the hotel’s different departments – from apprentice greenkeepers to hospitality supervisors. We spoke with Sam Reid, our Head Greenkeeper, who oversees some of his team who are completing greenkeeper apprenticeships. He explains that the thorough nature of the level 2 and 3 awards combined with the addition of a bespoke skills matrix and practical training plan ensures that an apprentice has a minimum of five years of quality experience before progression. We are keen to make sure that each apprentice completes the award feeling confident in their abilities and is equipped with the most up-to-date industry knowledge. Adam Stone is one of our team who is currently working towards his Advanced Golf Greenkeeper Level 3 award. Learn more about Adam’s time with us here.
More recently, we launched an ‘Expedition’ leadership programme for our employees who wish to develop their management skills. With two pathways on offer, Ascent and Summit, the programmes are designed to develop confidence, competence and leadership talent, as well as to help build career prospects.
Both programme pathways are ideal for those individuals whose role involves leading and managing other people. The Expedition Ascent course is accredited as a Level 3 Team Leader Apprenticeship for those eligible and an ILM level 3 qualification for those who are not. Participants will benefit from the knowledge and advice of experienced development coaches, with workshops facilitated by Hilary Cooke and Chris Howe of Merlin Consultancy. Of course, these sessions have been specially designed to be fun and engaging – as well as delivering the learning required for the qualification. Over 12 to 15 months, group sessions will be held so employees can learn together and from each other, benefitting from classes including operations management, relationships and communication, project management and much more. Fiona Blacklock, our Resort Reservations Manager, is currently enrolled on the Ascent programme and comments: “This apprenticeship has been incredibly beneficial, I’ve learnt so much from Hilary and Chris. Their workshops have been really engaging and I’m looking forward to putting my new skills into practice.”
The Expedition Summit course is accredited as a Level 5 Operations Manager or Head of Department Apprenticeship for those eligible, and an ILM level 5 qualification for those who are not. Also led by the talents at Merlin Consultancy, this programme is a more advanced pathway, offering workshops in organisational culture, values and strategy, and leading a high-performing team.
Contact our People Team on 01923 296007 for more information on apprenticeships at The Grove.
Browse our current vacancies here
