The success of QHotels’ training and apprenticeship programmes has been recognised, after they received a national HR award.
QHotels received the Distinction in Developing Future Talent award at the HR Distinction Awards, which recognise the most creative and engaging company projects, as well as inspirational rising stars of the industry. They successfully demonstrated how QHotels has developed talent across the business through a range of internal and external training programmes.
In 2016, QHotels launched it’s ‘Get into Q’ apprenticeship programme with 52 apprentices, and now the group is looking to recruit a further 100 apprentices this year. The apprenticeships are available in a range of specialist areas such as operational management, maintenance, accounts, food and beverage and spa. In addition, QHotels’ Professional Hospitality Operations Management programme is the first qualification of its type to be provided by a UK hotel group and is awarded by University College Birmingham.
The bespoke hospitality course has given employees a hands-on education whilst in operational, managerial and sales roles. The foundation degree is offered to current employees and external applicants to learn while they work on a full-time basis.
Nichola Roskell, Director of HR at QHotels, said: “We’re delighted to have received a HR Distinction Award. To be recognised outside of the hospitality industry is a huge achievement and this award is testament to the work of our dedicated HR team and the success of the training and apprenticeship schemes we have delivered across the group.”
She added: “We are very mindful that we only achieve business success through employing like-minded people, and through providing real development opportunities for a sustainable career in hospitality. Our focus now will be on continuing to attract and retain the very best team members, as the employment market becomes ever more challenging.”
The HR Distinction Awards, which took place as part of the HR Directors Summit at ICC Birmingham, were judged by leading authorities and HR specialists from across a range of sectors.
The panel of judges commented on QHotels’ accolade: “The hospitality industry faces very unique challenges, which is why QHotels really stood out for the Developing Future Talent Award, due to their holistic approach to identifying and developing talent.”