Bournville College and The Old Crown Pub have recently worked in partnership to create an apprenticeship vacancy in catering at this well-known establishment.

The Old Crown Pub is the oldest pub in Birmingham, dating back to 1368. It offers amenities such as bar, restaurant and bed and breakfast to customers. Both the employer and apprentice have seen the added benefits of the apprenticeship scheme, giving young people the chance to learn while they earn and the employer keeping labour costs low and assessing skill shortages.

Kieran McInerney, manager at The Old Crown Pub and a former apprentice knows how an apprenticeship can help individuals. He reflected: “I originally started my very own career as an apprentice which had many positives including working on the job rather than classroom based.

“At The Old Crown Pub, we decided to look into Level 2 Apprenticeships in Catering & Hospitality with Bournville College and I knew that we could only gain by having an apprentice.”

Kieran also believes that employing young, passionate individuals suits all involved parties and employers should be more proactive in taking part in the scheme.

He added: “It makes perfect sense from a business point of view as it enables us to reduce labour costs while being able to employ enthusiastic and keen to learn individuals. In addition, apprenticeships enable organisations to fit the right people with the right job. I would 100 per cent recommend apprenticeships to other employers; if you invest the time to mentor and support the apprentice you get back more than what you give.”

Rob Dorman, aged 24, from Shard End, currently completing the Level 2 Apprenticeship in Hospitality & Catering has also seen the benefits of enrolling onto an apprenticeship at The Old Crown Pub.

“After finding the apprenticeship vacancy on the National Apprenticeship Service website it seemed the perfect fit. So far I have really enjoyed my Level 2 – I have always enjoyed cooking but it is very different being here. I have had to learn to cook quickly and in a larger quantity as the time scales are different to at home.

“I would definitely recommend apprenticeships as it has given me the skills and the chance to learn while I’m working, which has meant I pick things up quickly. It has been beneficial to me as Bournville College come out to my workplace rather than me visiting the college,” reflected Rob.

“Rob has been working really well and has made vast improvements, gained great experience and service. We would definitely look into hiring more apprentices with Bournville College’,” added Kieran.

* If you would like to discuss the implementation of the apprenticeship scheme within your business, Bournville College is the right choice. To find out more, please contact the apprenticeship team on 0121 477 1400 or email apprentice@bournville.ac.uk. If you have any apprenticeship vacancies that need filling, why not promote them during the upcoming Apprenticeship Event on May 29, also held at Bournville College. Visit www.bournville.ac.uk to find out more.