National Apprenticeship Week is here once again – a chance to shout about the benefits of apprenticeships and to celebrate apprentices’ achievements.
Inn Cornwall Limited is an employer that knows all about the positive impact of apprenticeships. They have been using apprenticeships for over 10 years and are a former Cornwall Apprenticeships Employer of the Year, plus a former BII National Innovation and Training Award winner. Company Director Mark Holden is a BIIAB Trustee, and he works closely with Truro and Penwith College, a BIIAB Recognised Centre who support apprentices using our end-point assessments.
We previously heard from Inn Cornwall’s apprentices during Hospitality Apprenticeships Week 2021, and we got in touch again recently to hear about their continued progression.
Will Dunstan, Level 2 Commis Chef Apprentice and Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards 2022 Finalist
How has the apprenticeship impacted your life opportunities? What difference has this made to you?
“The apprenticeship was great and impacted my life dramatically. It gave me the opportunity to increase my skills which meant I was promoted to third chef – a role in which I can apply what I learn on the job. This has helped a lot as I am able to give a fresher and younger set of eyes to any problems we may have, including ideas for how to save money, where we could improve our menu, and how we can source local produce cheaper. It has been a great journey and I can’t wait to learn more in the next year.”
How did you find the end-point assessment process?
“I found the end-point assessment stressful until the day itself. I thought our assessor, Graham, was absolutely brilliant, especially for the professional discussion. He made me feel very comfortable and able to talk freely as he made it more of a chat than an exam. This was definitely my weak point and was the component I was most worried about. I am very proud of myself for getting a distinction.”
What are your plans now that you have achieved your apprenticeship?
“I now plan to do the Level 3 Chef de Partie course to further my knowledge. I am hoping to do extra courses along the way to increase my capabilities.”
“I would just like to add how great Inn Cornwall were for supporting me and the other apprentices and how good my tutor Tony Duce was in giving me the opportunity to do two festivals with him – both Truro Festival and Rock Oyster Festival. Doing this has built my confidence and made me more excited for the next year.”
“Now that I have achieved my apprenticeship, I aim to become a Duty Manager and eventually run my own pub.”
Cerys, Hospitality Team Member Apprentice
Other comments from Inn Cornwall apprentices
Luke, Level 2 Hospitality Team Member Apprentice: “Doing this apprenticeship has increased my confidence. I was well prepared for the end-point assessment, so I enjoyed it, and the assessor, Graham, was lovely.”
Cerys, Level 2 Hospitality Team Member Apprentice: “I have learnt a lot within the workplace as well as throughout the apprenticeship course. It has helped me to be more confident and become more independent. The end-point assessment wasn’t easy, but I had a lot of support to get me through it. Now that I have achieved my apprenticeship, I aim to become a Duty Manager and eventually run my own pub.”
Aaliyah, Level 2 Hospitality Team Member Apprentice: “The apprenticeship helped me build my confidence massively. The end-point assessment took me out of my comfort zone, but it was not as difficult as I had thought. I now look forward to progressing further within my establishment.”
Deliver apprenticeships through BIIAB
BIIAB is a registered End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) that works with industry to provide high-quality end-point assessment solutions. We offer end-point assessments for a range of apprenticeship standards across the Hospitality and Catering; Health and Social Care; and Retail and Procurement sectors. Our dedicated End-Point Assessment Team ensure that training providers, employers and apprentices are fully supported throughout the assessment process. You can find out more about our end-point assessment services here.
You can access many more end-point assessments through Skills and Education Group Awards, another EPAO that, like BIIAB, is part of the wider Skills and Education Group. They specialise in apprenticeship standards in the Automotive; Fashion and Textiles; and Youth and Community sectors. You can browse all of their end-point assessments here.
If you are interested in becoming a BIIAB Recognised Centre, please contact our Relationship Managers, who will get you started in no time.
National Apprenticeship Week 2023 takes place from 6-12 February. Keep an eye on our Twitter and LinkedIn channels as we celebrate the week.