Candidates for Pizza Hut's first apprenticeship complete their first year
The four year degree apprenticeship is in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University.
Emily Bell, James Mann, Holly Humphrey, Aaron Oreschnick and Anchit Mahajan have mastered skills in leadership and business whilst completing on the job training with Pizza Hut Restaurants.
As they move into their second year, the group will delve deeper into the world of hospitality and business by completing modules in sales and marketing, operations and technology management and customer and stakeholder relations. The group will also complete a second negotiated work-based project where they will be required to evaluate business scenarios and challenges from their own role.
James Mann, 19, who works as a Shift Manager at the Chester Retail Park Hut, said, “It’s been great to learn about the wider world of hospitality and how the business operates. Earlier this year, I was signed off as a Shift Manager, which was an enormous achievement for me. I also couldn’t believe it when I got a 2:1 for my negotiated business project. I can’t wait to continue to develop my leadership and management skills next year.”
Anchit Mahajan, 24, who works as an Assistant Manager at the London Piccadilly Hut, added, “I’m really proud to have passed the first year. Everything I have learnt as part of the apprenticeship has helped me to become a better manager and leader. Next year, I’m looking forward to completing a new work based project and learning more about the different ways we can interact with customers.”
Aaron Oreschnick, who works as a Deputy Manager at Pizza Hut Restaurants Trafford Centre Hut, said, “I’ve always wanted to run and own my own restaurant and the graduate apprenticeship allows me to get one step closer to that dream. I’m currently on the development pathway to become a restaurant manager which is really exciting. In fact, the work we completed as part of the Dynamic Business Contacts module really helped me to prepare for the interview and assessment centre. I’ve still got three years left on the course but I’ve already noticed how much it’s helped me to develop both as a manager and a person and I can’t wait to see what the future will hold.”
The four year degree level apprenticeship, which is a first for the hospitality industry, is delivered in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University and offers people an opportunity to study for a BA (Hons) Business Management degree whilst receiving on the job training at their local Hut.
Successful apprentices will also receive a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Diploma in Leadership and Management and full CMI Chartered Manager status.
Kathryn Austin, HR and marketing director at Pizza Hut Restaurants, said, “I’m really thrilled to see our first degree level apprentices successfully complete year one. All of them have worked really hard this year and we’ve really seen them develop and grow. We’re very proud to offer this course, it is unique in our industry and demonstrates the commitment we have made to grow and develop our people.
“Our people are our greatest asset and we want to equip them with the skills they need to thrive in the future. The traditional university route isn’t for everyone, whether that due to the financial commitment or the way they want to study. Through our degree level apprenticeship, we offer people the opportunity to mix academic and practical modules, providing not just a fantastic skills base in the hospitality industry but also skills for life.”
