Apprenticeship Case Study - Lockdown and your apprenticeship - Stefania Margina

Stefania Margina

Age: 28

Job title: Reception Supervisor

Hotel: Georgian House

Name of apprenticeship: Hospitality Supervisor L3 Apprenticeship Programme

How did you find continuing your studies during lockdown with Umbrella Training?

Umbrella Training has been a support for me since I started the programme. Lots of knowledge and information was shared.

Even more so since the lockdown, when the course continued like nothing happened, only via online lectures and workshops. I found it more interesting this way and safe during these times.

It was a breath of fresh air as I had the chance to go on with my learning and I still managed to interact with people. As we know, the social distance was the hardest part for everyone during this period and I was happy and grateful for every session. Umbrella was not only an outside programme but a familial environment where I felt confident and relaxed to express my opinions and my personality. I found the sessions extremely important.

These helped my mental health and that of my team. The apprenticeship taught me how to manage our relationship during the lockdown and how to approach after the period of lockdown.

What do you like most about being an apprentice and our job role?

I am pleased with the new practical information I have learned through my apprenticeship and being able to apply and share it with my team.

I now know useful techniques to deal with the individual's personalities and different customer and staffing situations.

Once you have completed your apprenticeship, what will your next steps be?

I would firstly like to improve my team's knowledge and skills, help them grow in their practice and provide a better experience to our customers.

Secondly, I would like to perform my best in my role, grow in my position and attend new apprenticeships, on a higher level.

How do you hope to make a difference in the hospitality industry?

I hope that I will be an example of a leader for my team and I will help the industry growth by sharing my experiences and values.

A word from Stefania’s Learning and Development Manager - Jacob

Stephania was a pleasure to work with. She has been an active learner in all the sessions. Stefania has grown her confidence and shown complete commitment towards any task given.

She completed them with really high standards. I am confident that Stefania will be achieving an overall distinction, and I am wishing her all success for the future! I would love to see her joining the Level 5 apprenticeship programme as this is natural progression.

Who inspired you to take on this role?

I was inspired by wild food chefs and the food and dishes that they produce. I love the fresh, local ingredients and how this is put into the menu.