You’re hired! Future Inn Apprentice named
A 16-year-old from Bristol has beaten off stiff competition from young people across South Wales and the South-West to be named the ‘Future Hotel Apprentice’ - hotel chain Future Inns’ search for a Young Apprentice, which is being supported by leading youth charities including The Prince’s Trust.
Jacob Brown from Bristol impressed the prestigious judging panel yesterday (which includes Roger Pride, Director of Marketing with the Welsh Assembly Government and Del Brett, founder and Managing Director of Future Inns) at a finalists challenge day at the Future Inns hotel Cardiff, where he battled it out against three other talented young finalists.
Jacob Brown says: “This is a great opportunity for me to learn about the hospitality industry and it’s fantastic that I will have mentoring sessions with the entrepreneur Del Brett.
“To be around hospitality professionals will be an excellent way for me to learn the ropes. My aim in life is to exceed in business and winning this competition gives me a great foot in the door.”
Jacob demonstrated confidence, drive and leadership at the challenge day in the hands on ‘practical’ challenges which involved working directly with the brand’s management team to prepare for service and make a bed fit for inspection. He also impressed the judging panel with a presentation about his idea to open an English themed hotel in the US. He proposed that the hotel would offer American guests a quintessential ‘Best of British’ experience for those who may not be in a position to visit holiday here. His presentation showed ambition, creativity and a real passion to succeed in the hotel business.
Jacob will now undertake a month-long management apprenticeship at the hotel chain, including mentoring sessions from Del Brett who launched the business in the UK in 2005 after successfully establishing the brand in Canada. The prize also includes £500 cash and a laptop to help kick-start the Apprentice’s career. He will also attend the People 1st WORLD HOST Customer Service Training Package and host their own weekly ‘Future Apprentice’ blog.
Del Brett, Managing Director of Future Inns, said ‘I was very impressed with Jacob’s ambition, confidence and drive to succeed. We are committed to giving opportunities to young people to help them succeed in the industry as at present we are aware that such opportunities for young people, particularly in the South-West and Wales, are few and far between. I look forward to helping guide and advise Jacob during his/her apprenticeship at Future Inns and hope he benefits from the experience.”
The competition, which was open to 16-18 year olds from the South-West and South Wales, is being supported by leading business figures including ex-Dragons Den contestant and successful entrepreneur Rob Law, founder of Trunki, a company that designs stress-free travel products for children. It is also being supported by national youth charities including The Prince’s Trust.
23/03/2011
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