Apprenticeship Case Study - Vinay Patel

23 Jun

Written By Guest

Vinay Patel.jpg — Vinay Patel

Age: 27
Job title: **Library Bar Supervisor (or ‘No. 2’)**
Hotel: The Lanesborough
Name of apprenticeship: Level 3 Hospitality Supervisor
**What made you apply for the apprenticeship and what was the process?**
My superiors were the ones that suggested that I may benefit from taking on the apprenticeship. As they haven’t proved me wrong so far, I asked them to sign me up.

What does your role entail day to day?

I am responsible for leading the team and general upkeep of the bar. Developing the skills and confidence of the bar team so that eventually they can rise to a supervisor level. I will also take care of the requests and reservations.

I’m required to collaborate with many other departments to ensure the guests receive the best experience possible. I will also act as a host and if needed, a waiter and commis.

**What are you learning at the moment?**
Currently I am assisting with recruitment. Conducting interviews and trial shifts.
Already, one of the candidates has started and I am training him as a commis waiter.

What do you like most about being an apprentice?

I like the reminder that I don’t know everything and I get to ask questions. It feels great to be given the time to focus on personal development and leave the responsibilities behind for a short while.

**When you’ve completed the role, what will your next steps be?**
To become The Library Bar manager and begin working my way towards food and beverage director, either for the hotel or globally.

Who inspired you to take on this role?

I never previously looked up to or felt inspired by anybody in particular. I have this job today because of my own hard work and determination. Currently, I have the support and guidance that inspires me to keep pushing and creating new standards. This is largely down to my manager Mickael Perron, together we like to make ‘warriors’, as he says.