WITH the hospitality staffing crisis continuing to threaten the industry, a Worcestershire-based hotel has switched its focus to 'inspiring the next generation,' with the graduation of its first two apprentices.

Last year, The Malvern, partnered with the International Beauty and Hairdressing Academy (IBHA) to provide a brand-new standard apprenticeship for Level 2 beauty professionals.

After a successful first round, apprentices Katie Davies and Holly Biggs have passed with flying colours, despite the trials and tribulations of the pandemic.

Katie said: “It was difficult around lockdown as there was a lot of theory work, watching videos and Zoom calls but I found it more interesting. As it was mainly based on theory, I had a lot more written knowledge stuck in my mind and then it was fun to go back and get thrown into practical work and go full speed ahead. Overall, I really enjoyed the experience.

“Personally, the apprenticeship role is a much better way of learning different techniques and what to expect going into the job than what it would be than by learning it at college. I definitely recommend anyone who is given the opportunity to go and do it as an apprentice.”

Holly added: “It is such a hands-on job and I would think the best way to do it is by learning on the job and picking things up from other trained therapists.”

One of The Malvern’s longest standing employees, Clare Allen, was also given the opportunity of doing this course and, as a result, has been given a newly created role within The Malvern as ‘apprenticeship coordinator’, responsible for training and developing all future Level 2 beauty therapy candidates.

Clare said: “I found the course absolutely brilliant. It has been great to share knowledge, learn new things and it’s been a real personal journey for me. Apprenticeships give you the knowledge of working in that industry rather than being given your certificate and being thrown out into the real world. It is nice to get that balance of experience and academic learning.

“Just by working alongside other professionals like the college lecturers and my own management team, I learnt so much. I am delighted to now be able to utilise these skills helping others in my new role as apprenticeship coordinator and I look forward to gaining an assessors qualification to enhance the skills within the team even further.”

The Malvern is now in the process of recruiting for two new Level 2 apprentices.

If you are interested in finding more about The Malvern and IBAH’s apprenticeship opportunities, please visit: www.ibha.co.uk/ & https://www.themalvernspa.com/