At Elite Hotels we are committed to teaching new skills and welcoming keen individuals into the hospitality industry. One way in which we help development into a new career is working with local colleges to bring apprenticeships into the business. Across all three hotels we have had a number of recently graduated colleagues who have completed their course and now joined the company full time to continue to develop their knowledge and career. Here we hear from a few on their experience.
Megan King – Events Coordinator
Megan King completed a Level 4 Hospitality Management apprenticeship at Tylney Hall Hotel, working with Learnmore for coursework and exams. Over 21 months, she worked full-time while rotating through departments such as Reservations, Reception, Housekeeping, Banqueting, and Event Sales. Each rotation lasted 1-3 months, allowing her to gain management and operational experience.
Megan was drawn to the apprenticeship after working in a bar and realizing her passion for hospitality but wanted to explore different sectors. She chose Tylney Hall for its supportive environment and high training standards. Now working in Event Sales, her experience across departments helps her understand event planning comprehensively. Her apprenticeship boosted her confidence in decision-making and client management. She values the relationships built across the hotel and the diverse industry knowledge gained. Megan plans to continue learning at Tylney Hall, gaining more experience in event management, particularly weddings, and hopes to explore social media and brand events in the future.
George Dunstall – Assistant Gardener
George Dunstall completed a Level 2 Horticulture Apprenticeship at Ashdown Park Hotel through Plumpton College from October 2022 to 2024. His apprenticeship combined weekly classroom lessons with four days of hands-on experience at Ashdown Park. At college, he studied plant identification and scientific growth processes while also practicing skills like mowing and planting. His work at Ashdown Park provided practical training in greenhouse production, estate gardening, hedge maintenance, and golf course upkeep.
Initially considering a part-time course alongside retail work, George chose the apprenticeship for its balanced approach to theory and practice. The diverse estate allowed him to develop a broad skill set beyond horticulture. He appreciated the opportunity to fully participate in daily tasks alongside the team. Following his graduation, he aspires to specialize in golf course maintenance, focusing on greenkeeping and turf care. His apprenticeship provided a strong foundation for his future career in estate management.
Conor O’Brien – Assistant F&B Manager
Conor O’Brien completed the Elite Hotels Future Leaders Apprenticeship, a Level 4 Hospitality Management program, while working at The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne. His apprenticeship involved rotating through various hotel departments, including the lounge, room service, and the cocktail bar, gaining hands-on experience in different aspects of hotel operations. He attended monthly workshops covering key hospitality areas such as sales, finance, and food & beverage.
Initially starting in the lounge, Conor quickly impressed his supervisors and took charge of room service for four months before moving to the cocktail bar. In May 2023, Conor he was offered the role of Assistant Food and Beverage Manager.
Conor was drawn to The Grand for its reputation as the best hotel in the area. He credits the apprenticeship with building his confidence as a manager, particularly through leadership training like the "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" workshop. Passionate about his work, he aspires to continue progressing at The Grand and hopes to pursue a Level 5 Operations Manager apprenticeship in the future.