Mitchells & Butlers (M&B) is celebrating its first learner to complete a new apprenticeship standard, introduced by the government in May 2017.
Ben Collins (pictured), from the Village Inn in Southampton, an Ember Inns pub, has completed his hospitality team member — food and beverage service level 2 standard. This sees him not only become M&B’s first apprentice to complete end point assessment (EPA), but also the first from its training partner Lifetime Training’s hospitality division.
Ben said: “I found both the apprenticeship and the EPA a fantastic experience. It was fun and really tested my knowledge from all my training and four years of being with M&B. My favourite part was doing the business project, which I am looking forward to implementing within our business.
“As a whole, the apprenticeship has benefited me with new knowledge and enhanced my existing knowledge. I’m glad I got the chance to do this, not only for my CV, but also to help me progress up the career ladder with M&B. I can’t thank my trainer Jess enough for all the time, patience and support she gave me.”
Jess, a regional trainer from Lifetime Training, said: “Ben was a great learner, really keen and willing to learn. He attended all our meetings and completed his independent study, taking it all in his stride.
“I would say Ben was an ideal learner. He has huge potential in the hospitality industry, and is a great asset to M&B. I’m so proud of him for achieving this, and he should be too!”
Paul Capper, vocational learning manager at M&B, said: “We are extremely proud of Ben for being our first learner to undertake and pass the new assessment approach. We wish him all the best as he looks to embark on his next supervisory level apprenticeship and further his career.”
