Team Vic set for Study in September

A popular Truro eatery is going the extra mile when it comes to training its staff by signing up eight of its full-time employees to start an Apprenticeship across a range of different levels, from chefs to management.

The Victoria Inn Truro, is working with Truro and Penwith College’s Apprenticeship team to start the eight new training courses this September. With 54 existing members of staff across two Cornish sites in Threemilestone and Roche, proprietors Justin Barnett and Mark Holden see Apprenticeships as crucial to upskill, train and retain current members of staff.

Mark Holden says: “Our aim this year is to encourage associates of all ages, whether they’re new or have been with us for a number of years, to do as much training as possible including part-time courses as well as Apprenticeships. Retention is a fundamental part of the business.”

Their newest employee, Josh Holness, started working as a Kitchen Porter a few months before commencing his Level 2 Chef De Partie Apprenticeship.

Josh says: “The support from the Victoria Inn is exceptional. I’m learning something new every day and my passion towards professional cookery is constantly growing. I lacked experience prior to starting this job, but my College course in September will enable me to progress in my job role.”

Chris Linne joined The Victoria Inn two years ago as a Kitchen Porter before starting his Level 2 Professional Cookery Apprenticeship. On completion of this in 2018, Chris will have the opportunity to progress to the Level 3 Apprenticeship which covers training required for the head chef role.

Chris’s partner Jenefer Grose also works at The Victoria Inn and is completing her Level 3 Hospitality Supervisor Apprenticeship with the College.

Chris says: “Both the College and my employer work together to give us the support we need, but also the freedom to do what we love. I’m saving up to get a mortgage with my partner so being able to earn whilst we learn is really beneficial to us.”

Tom Moran, Customer Development Manager at Truro and Penwith College, says: “The role of Apprenticeships is not solely focused on getting young people into work; there is also the opportunity to upskill existing staff across all age groups through the Apprenticeship training to prepare them for more responsibility or challenges that lie ahead. Apprenticeships are an increasingly popular opportunity to increasing earning potential, gain work experience and achieve recognised qualifications at the same time.”

Proprietor Mark Holden is so grateful to Truro and Penwith College for all of the support provided to his business.

Mark says: “Having an outstanding provider is essential for us and being able to maintain confidence in the training is key for a business. If a colleague loses interest in College, they will lose interest in the workplace so Truro and Penwith College giving us knowledge and time, is fundamental to our success.”

Tom Moran is pleased with the partnership established with The Victoria Inn and hopes that the successes will continue into the future.

Tom said: “It’s very encouraging to be working in partnership with Mark and his team at The Victoria Inn. Their continued passion and enthusiasm towards engaging in Apprenticeships really does demonstrate how forward thinking this organisation is. They continue to reap the benefits Apprenticeship training has and how this supports their staff members.”

To find out more and to start your journey towards an Apprenticeship, call the Apprenticeship Recruitment Team: 01872 242711 or visit the website: www.truro-penwith.ac.uk/apprenticeships

Don’t forget; there’s still time to nominate a worthy candidate for the Apprenticeship Awards, visit the website for more detail: www.truro-penwith.ac.uk/cornwallapprenticeshipawards