Earlier this year Joe Buck, an apprentice at Toby Carvery Aintree, won the ‘Rising Star’ category at the National Apprentice Awards in the North West Region. And on the back of his regional win, Joe headed to London this week for the grand final!
Now in its fifteenth year, the awards are the largest and most prestigious celebration of apprentices and apprentice employers across the country. The themed awards ceremony showcased individual and employer success stories, recognising apprenticeships as a fast-track to a great career and enabler of business growth.
And we’re thrilled to announce that Joe Buck was the winner at Wednesday night’s awards ceremony, securing Rising Star, a brand-new award category for 2018.
Lauren Carroll, Vocational Learning Attraction Manager, said: “As one of the first apprentices recruited by M&B, Joe truly is a shining example of what we were aiming to achieve through recruiting apprentices. Joe has gone above and beyond his expected role at Toby Carvery, becoming an expert in both the kitchen and front of house, providing the business strong pipeline for management roles both sides of the pass.
Not only is this a great achievement for Joe, but for the whole hospitality industry. For a hospitality apprentice to be recognised on such a big stage will help reinforce the importance of apprenticeships in our industry, and highlight the career pathways we can offer”
James Birkett, Regional Trainer from Lifetime Training, commented ‘I first met Joe in October 2015 as an enthusiastic though shy 17-year-old and signed him onto the Mitchells & Butlers Hospitality Services apprenticeship in Toby Carvery. Working from Apprentice through to Duty Manager across three years alongside his studies is testament to Joe’s fantastic determination, passion and dedication.’
Seen as an invaluable member of the team by Graham Holton, RBM who commented, ‘Joe is a huge asset for Toby Carvery and I have no doubt that he can progress to General Manager and beyond! Joe has proved his capabilities within the company and is a great support for the whole team.”
H&C News Comment: Mitchells & Butlers have through their Hospitality Services Apprenticeship programme enabled Joe Buck to enter our industry and thrive within it, an example for all within our industry to learn and prosper from.
