Deputy Hotel Manager Review
at Whitbread plc
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Hospitality Management
NR32
Review Submitted: April 2023
Overall Rating
4.4 /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!
3/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4.8/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
3/5
As Deputy Hotel Manager, I oversee the day to day running of a 99 bed hotel. I have responsibility for: all aspects surrounding financial compliance, the health and safety of both guests and team, ensuring brand standards are adhered to, accurate record keeping, keeping team updated on changes within the business, ensuring training is up to date.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I have enjoyed the process of completing the apprenticeship and gaining knowledge in all areas of the wider hospitality business. I have had a few bumps in the road due to work and life commitments but I have had an amazing amount of support from my management, peers and trainer.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Since starting my apprenticeship I have gained confidence and learnt how to become a better manager. I have gained knowledge around completing one to one meetings and how to have difficult conversations. On a day to day basis, I am now much more confident in delegating tasks due to learning about different learning and management styles.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Throughout the programme I have had regular contact with my trainer. He ensured that I was set work to complete before meetings and that I always had goals set. I was offered lots of support and took advantage of online classes. I was given plenty of opportunity to take mock assessment leading up to EPA.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I have had a great amount of support from my own manager. He made sure I had time to complete my set tasks, time to revise for my MCQ and time to prepare my business project and professional discussion notes. I also had a lot of support from other hotel managers and regional managers with the business.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I have always had a massive amount of support from my provider, especially when I had to resit my EPA after failing the initial time. I was always given plenty of time to complete tasks and there was always someone at the end of the phone or email, if I needed extra support.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I have become more confident in all areas of my role. I deal with the day to day issues that can arise in the workplace with more confidence. I am able to adapt to ever changing situations and feel that I have become a better coach to the rest of my team.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
As a team, we do try to meet up outside of work when possible. We occasionally meet up for breakfasts before shifts and try to organise at least one team meet up every 3 months for bowling. I have personally been invited to regional and divisional meetings where I have had time to socialise with my peers the evening before a non-work setting.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Whitbread plc to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I have been with the company for almost 9 years. In that time I have been given the opportunity to progress from housekeeper to head housekeeper to deputy hotel manager. As a company, there are lots of opportunities for progression and learning. You feel like part of a family, not just part of a team.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Whitbread plc?
My advice would be just be yourself.
Honesty is always the best policy, as a team we have each others backs when mistakes get made.
Guests always appreciate a smile and a warm welcome so bring your best self to work.
Purple will quickly become your favourite colour as it gets into your blood.
Be prepared to gain lots of new family!
Honesty is always the best policy, as a team we have each others backs when mistakes get made.
Guests always appreciate a smile and a warm welcome so bring your best self to work.
Purple will quickly become your favourite colour as it gets into your blood.
Be prepared to gain lots of new family!
