Deputy hotel manager Review
at Whitbread plc
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Hospitality Management
Lowestoft
Review Submitted: March 2021
Overall Rating
4.6 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.5/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
4.4/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
As deputy hotel manager I oversee the day to day running of a 99 bed hotel. I'm in charge of rotas, ordering linen and consumables, finance, health & safety and payroll. I am also responsible for the front of house, housekeeping and maintenance team, this includes recruitment, development and training.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
As someone who has already gained a level 3 qualification in hospitality supervision, I couldn't wait to get started on level 4. It is much more in depth but I am enjoying the challenge and also enjoying learning more about the hospitality sector as a whole. I am looking forward to the next few months
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I am currently developing my skills in all areas of finance and recruitment. As a new dhm the apprenticeship has given a much wider knowledge in both. My recent skills day was based around recruitment and this has helped me greatly as I'm in the process if recruiting new team members.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
I find the organisation and structure incredibly good. You are provide with all the tools necessary to guide you. I was sent a handy 'timetable', so I always know where I should be in the programme. Email invites and communication about upcoming skills days are sent out well ahead of time.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I have a very helpful hotel manager who is always willing to answer my questions and is available for support whenever I need it. I also have close relationships with other hotels in our region, our regional manager and other hotel managers. Whitbread are very supportive of all their apprentices
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I have always found Lifetime to be very supportive. I have regular contact with my regional trainer and I know I can contact him with any questions, worries or concerns. He checks in on my progress inbetween visits and is incredibly easy to get hold of. All this also applies for my level 3 trainers.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Studying for level 4 as a new deputy hotel manager has been hugely insightful. It has helped me think outside the box and see hospitality on a wider scale, not just Whitbread. I have gained confidence in many aspects including leadership skills, recruitment and selection. I think it is definitely helping me become a better manager.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
During the current pandemic any social events have been cancelled. As a hotel we like to, under normal circumstances, have team breakfasts, bowling evenings, meals out and drinks. We also enjoy fundraising for GOSH. In the past we've had bake sales, sponsored bike rides, sponsored walks and also a few of the team entered a muddy run.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Whitbread plc to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Working for Whitbread gives you the opportunity to progress within the industry, to become part of great teams, to make great friends and the company offer a lot of great benefits, discounts on rooms and meals being just 2. As a company, they genuinely care about those that work for them and that was definitely shown in the 2020 lockdown.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Whitbread plc?
What advice would I give? Be yourself. Whitbread is a very inclusive employer. No 2 days are ever the same so be prepared for a wide range of challenges, a huge amount of laughs and get ready to meet some amazing people. Premier Inn will turn you true purple within a few weeks of working!
