New Continental Hotel, Millbay Road, Plymouth, PL1 3LD

Tel: 01752 276798

Category / Education

Be A Polar Bear Explorer…

Posted on by Elinor Eaton

In case you hadn’t noticed the little fella sat in our Foyer; we have a very exciting announcement to make! We’re proud to be part of the Polar Bear Explorer Trail and carer of our very own cub!

You too can be involved too! Become a Polar Bear Explorer. Not only will you find new friends in these beautiful little life like Polar Bears; but also be in with a chance to win prizes!

Launched on the 25th of November, 20 polar bear cub sculptures were introduced to Plymouth! Hosted by NMA and What’s on Plymouth, during the days after the launch the Polar Bear Cubs were set free across Plymouth, throughout Sutton Harbour, The Barbican and Hoe, Millbay and Royal Willam Yard.

Find out facts…

Each cub will have a Bear Fact with them, telling us about the Arctic and the Oceans, how plastic is affecting their homes and how we can all help.

As a Polar Explorer, your task is to find each of the Polar Bear Cubs with their facts.

Don’t worry – you have until March 2020, the little guys and girls aren’t going anywhere anytime soon! Once they have made enough friends, shared enough facts they will then go home again, hopefully to a happier environment.

Be part of the fun…

You can download the trail brochure from the VisitPlymouth Website, or pick one up in our reception area. You simply write down the key word from each of the cubs’ Bear Facts.
Once you’ve found all 20 facts – complete the Explorer form. Add your details and make a pledge to help Polar Bears by reducing single-use plastics. This could be at home, at school, or in the workplace.

Here at the hotel we have already gone Plastic Free in Club Continental and our pledge will be to keep working at being greener with every business decision we make.

Once completed, deliver your completed Explorer form to one of the three Arctic Post Boxes. You can find one at the National Marine Aquarium, the Tourist Information Centre or Bistrot Pierre. Alternatively you can mail it to: Polar Bear Explorer, Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, Ballard House, West Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3BJ or enter online.

Good Luck! Don’t forget our little cub. He’s looking out onto Millbay Road waiting to be discovered and share his fact with you!

International Men’s Day Conference | Plymouth 2019

Posted on by Elinor Eaton

At the New Continental Hotel, we are all about days that celebrate people. People who do amazing things; people that support amazing things to happen and people who form part of the amazing community in which we live.

That’s why we are so very proud to be one of the sponsors of the International Men’s Day Conference 2019 on Tuesday 19th November 2019.

A good ‘International’ day of recognition is exactly what we love. To celebrate and to acknowledge; to guide and support and to bring together all the great people that surround us.

International Men’s Day (IMD) is far from being an antithesis to International Women’s Day. In fact, the day marks ways we can all work together. Ways in which we can change gender stereotyping and discrimination – just this time, the lens is on men!

This annual day of recognition was started in 1992. It has grown each year exponentially and is now being celebrated in over 70 countries around the world. Proving that it’s a really powerful day -and a day that has really powerful outcomes.

Our Difference Is What Makes A Difference…

This is not only a day that celebrates positive role models in Plymouth. It’s also a day that puts narrative over some of the issues that affect men; whilst helping to raise awareness of some very real challenges.

There are some incredible topics that will be covered during the conference. Even if they aren’t topics that affect us directly – they are topics that most definitely will impact all of us indirectly.

This is a day that talks inclusively about topics. Topics such as men’s health; diversity; toxic masculinity; coping with bereavement and the prevalence of male suicide.  The biggest killer in young men here in the UK is sadly suicide. So, it’s vitally important that we ensure boys and men are supported and given the tools they need to ask for help.

Your attendance on November 19th is the most important and powerful way that you can show those that need it most, that they are not alone. That there are positive role models, that there are success stories and many people waiting to listen. The visual sign of togetherness is what will show everyone the very tangible signs of the support they have in the city.

Centre Stage…

There is a tremendous line up of inspirational speakers, sensational exhibitors and there will be amazing opportunities to create new friendships, to mingle and meet new people and new contacts. What’s more, the opportunity to learn and grow from each other’s experiences and from the various organisations supporting the conference.

It is so important that everyone feels supported, empowered and enabled. We may have separate days to recognise and support individuals, but knowing that everyone has a time and a space to feel that they have a moment to breath, to feel supported is an essential element of a strong community.

The Plymouth conference aims to celebrate positive male role models, provide a forum for open discussion and provide access to health care support.

Throughout the afternoon there will not only be time to hear from local and national speakers, but also time to step off the treadmill and take a moment to connect, or perhaps reconnect with others in Plymouth

Further information can be found on the website https://plymouthimd.co.uk and by following Plymouth International Men’s Day on Facebook and Twitter

We look forward to welcoming you to Plymouth’s inaugural International Men’s Day Conference 2019

Please share this great occasion with friends and family on social media.

 

A Real Kitchen Nightmare…?

Posted on by Elinor Eaton

Left | Rob Dunne – Head Chef at the New Continental Hotel

Right | Paul Doidge – Executive Chef at the New Continental Group 

Chef’s Talk…

We hear chefs talk about the pleasure of the palate; about the passion in their prep; the joy that comes from the cry of  ‘service’ and the indescribable pride when someone loves what they do.

But what happens when kitchen talk takes a new direction? 

The ‘food boom’ should be a joyous occasion for chefs. People eating out and knowing their ‘mustard’ when it comes to great ingredients. Knowing their mind when it comes to food choices. No longer are we as customers ordering the same meals; we are exploring and trying new things and being led by chefs creating amazing menus.

So what could chefs possibly be unhappy about…?

Paul Doidge, our Executive Chef at the New Continental Group is one of the many industry leaders who share very real concerns about ‘ The great chef shortage’; and is working hard to try and solve the fundamental challenge for all hospitality businesses.

So, when we talk about a shortage of chefs with him, he had plenty to say about the matter …

The current landscape…

In my 22 years of cheffing, I am not sure that we have seen such a golden age for dining out. People are not just eating out for a special occasion anymore; they are making the most of spending time together and enjoying great food whilst they make amazing memories.

Yet when I talk about this ‘golden age’ I am filled with sadness and fear; why, because never before have I felt such a woe when I talk about such a happy time for my sector.  On the one hand I am obviously elated, on the other hand troubled.

Knowing that people are loving what we do, the passion and energy that we install in every dish is not going unnoticed and customers are becoming more discerning. With an abundance of choice; they are choosing our settings and that is a sensational feeling. On the other hand there is a deep sadness, due to the shortage of chefs and waiting staff in our sector.

The shape of things to come…

In March 2017, we were all captivated upon reading the KPMG report for the British Hospitality Association; it stated everything that we were feeling…worried was the general consensus!  Although 10 years from now; the figures suggesting that by 2029 the industry could have a deficit of more than a million workers is in no way good to hear!

We are already feeling the high levels of vacancies. In fact it was said by KPMG that we actually have the highest levels compared to any other sector. And although like in many sectors there is scope to make improvements on productivity, this isn’t sustainable and chefs will burn out. Nor are we (chefs) willing to sacrifice the finished product by cutting corners – we all know that making life ‘easy’ is not what chefs do!

Potential Pitfalls…

I really can understand why this happens, but what we don’t want to see for our sector is that all the experienced, senior chefs leave the kitchens for the high pay of an agency. Where they become heroes, due to their knowledge, and who can fit in any kitchen confidently and capably. They parachute in and save the day, filling holes and roles to keep chains going and then migrating once again with their knowledge and experience to their next position. These are highly skilled individuals, who don’t only have pure passion running through their veins, and a love for their craft, but also so much knowledge and ability.

What That Could Mean…

If this were to happen, and we were to lose them from our kitchens, younger chefs wouldn’t have the relationships they need to have with a senior, experienced chef. They would not have access to a constant vessel to learn from. We all started with a mentor, someone we looked up to and aspired to be one day; my fear is if we were to lose these ‘mentors’ we would lose the inspiration.

What you then might also have is the commis and CPD level chefs in their mid-career, who see the benefit of agency work and agency hours, being able to take their level of knowledge and make contacts and build their portfolio. This would then create a desperate shortage when recruiting these important, young and ambitious mid-level chefs within the smaller, independent restaurants and settings. Chefs that we rely on in small kitchens.

On one hand, good, experienced Chefs are in a very powerful position at the moment; when you have a skills shortage of any kind, when demand outstrips supply, you have a monopoly.  Agency work, or relief cover, becomes an amazing (and tantalising) opportunity to broaden your portfolio whilst earning really good money. But is that sustainable for our sector? With no new, young talent being incubated and captured by the fury and fire of a passionate brigade.

So, where does that leave young people who are inspired by a craft that takes time and patience as well as mentors that need to be present?

Earning & learning…

You always have to look for the solutions. Here at the New Continental Group, we have decided to start sowing seeds for our sector now, 10 years isn’t that far away before the 2029 scary prophecy. We want to make a statement within our sector and ensure that we are working in the direction that we think the future of our craft needs.

City College Plymouth…

Within our Group we have some of the best Head Chefs; with diverse experience, all with their own set of mastery and of course oodles of passion. All lending themselves to being what I class as exceptional mentors. So now, teaming up with City College Plymouth we have an apprentice in every kitchen! There are a number of other amazing settings that offer apprenticeships,  Plymouth is a city that is fortunate enough to have a plethora of platforms and springboards that connect people to both a profession they can be proud of; but also a future that is rewarding and bright.

The Future…

Now, we have four bright sparks all working with sensational Head Chefs who are happy in their roles and rooted firmly in their kitchen! The apprentices are growing, learning and increasing their passion for a profession that they can be proud of for many years to come.

Not only learning all the important elements of being a great chef and learning about great products; but also what it means to be part of a strong team; managing sections and working in a passionate environment.

Our apprentices are phenomenal; with natural aptitudes and a desire to soak up the kitchens in which they work. With this formula and the help of City College Plymouth, attracting and retaining passionate and enthusiastic chefs is going to mean that we have a pool of talent that knows what kitchen life can be for the chefs of the future; and Plymouth will very much be at the heart of it.

 

Plymouth Half Marathon 2019 …

Posted on by Elinor Eaton

Britain’s Ocean City Half Marathon | Sunday 19th May 2019, 08.30

Running Sunday’s Plymouth Half Marathon will be a host of individuals, businesses and groups who have put hours and hours into training and preparing. Primary schools who have taught that through dedication and commitment comes great things.

The Plymouth Half Marathon isn’t just about footsteps to the finish line, it’s about taking footsteps in your life that make you stronger, more focused and part of something great.

Many of our amazing staff are not only dedicated to our guests’ experiences, but also to our city; taking part in city events like the Plymouth Half Marathon.

Staff Have Their Say…

Our Wedding Coordinator talks honestly about how she felt before she took part. Here she shares some very heartening advice:

“The pit of my stomach slowly started to churn as I noticed the signs going up around the city, advising people of the road closures for the half marathon. Suddenly, suddenly it all became rather real!

After months of training and fundraising for a charity very close to my heart – race day arrived!

After checking for about the 10th time that my kit was packed, my watch charged and plenty of fluids were on board  … off we go to join the thousands of people in exactly the same boat as me!

All I need to remember is that I have done my training. Now I just need to enjoy the next 13.1 miles!!

There are so many expectations from so many different people, each of us with different reasons for doing it, but all of us having exactly the same goal – to cross that finish line. 

This is your moment and no one can take it away from you, and when you are climbing up that last hill and its hurting just keep saying; “pain is temporary – but pride is forever.”

Have Fun…

As an independent, family owned hotel, we pride ourselves on the support that we give our staff when they are passionate about things, and prepared to work hard for what they love. Be that CPD, returning to work after illness or indeed activities and events such as marathons.

We know that there can sometimes be a negative stigma associated to employees having a ‘busy’ life outside of work.  Especially hobbies or passions that involve burnout style training. But we truly believe that if our staff are happy outside of work, or training hard for something they love, it will not negatively impact their ability to do their job, put positively enable them to do it better.

We would like to wish EVERYONE taking part the very best of times.  May you enjoy the footsteps that lead you to the finishing line and the pride we are sure you will feel when you finish.

Please check the following link to find out more about the Road Closures on Sunday 19th May 2019.

Just a few pictures of some of our amazing team…

Image credit link to Trainer Academy: (https://traineracademy.org/)

 

National Apprenticeship Week…

Posted on by Elinor Eaton

Before we start:

As we are now in the middle of the annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships, we wanted to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to the team at City College Plymouth, their amazing students and to our apprentices, those with us now and those who have flown the nest to amazing new careers in hospitality.

Today we take a sneaky peak at the life of an apprentice chef…

It’s always hard saying goodbye to an apprentice. But when you know you have played a part in connected them to their future and to a career that they are passionate about; it really helps with the farewells!

Growing up, our natural aptitudes and interests often lead us to pursue certain careers. Sometimes we follow our parent’s footsteps, join the family business or simply look for the best paid jobs!

Sometimes we look to the future, to see where there might be growth in a specific sector. Perhaps we look at predicted skill shortages, or staff predominately made up of a generation starting to retire, with no one snapping at their heels to replace them!

However, sometimes, you are lucky enough to know what you love to do, what you’re great at and then consider the merits of a career based on your value; turning your passions into a profession!

Now isn’t that something!

As Plymouth bounds forward with growth and regeneration, as the city centre continues to develop and as Plymouth is growing in popularity as a destination, there has never been a better time to be in the tourism and hospitality sector.

Today we specifically look at ‘Chefs Life’ and see how, over the past seven years, we have been working closely with some amazing young talent.

The kitchen is intense, fast paced and dynamic. There can be long, stressful hours. It takes bags of energy, passion and charisma and it’s anything but easy! It’s full of pressure and high expectations of you…

…we aren’t really selling it here are we!

OK! Let’s help with that!

Staff Have Their Say…

We ask our Executive Chef, Paul Doidge why he feels that hospitality, specifically the kitchens, makes such a good springboard to connect young people to a career that will grip them and keep them inspired:

“ For the past seven years, I have seen many apprentices join us and leave connected to their dream of being a chef. All a step closer to their goal. Being in the thick of the action and really empowering and enabling apprentices is a massive part of all of our responsibilities; ensuring that the future of our craft has innovative new chefs emerging, learning and growing in confidence.

Becoming a chef is a career with surprisingly broad appeal. You can travel the world with it, teach with it, care with it; you can work across all sectors and you have a skill that many are envious of.

Almost everyone cooks at some point in their life; unlike plumbing or carpentry for instance; on a fairly regular basis the majority of people will prepare and serve food. When you’re good at it, you and everyone you cook for instantly knows. It’s a natural aptitude that is unlocked. Perhaps in your own kitchen, a friends or at school; access to the tools are readily available and accessible. Let’s face it, very few people will ever say ‘I’d rather you didn’t cook for me’!   

We have an apprentice currently that knew he was an amazing ‘chef’ from a really young age, after cooking at school and home and gaining rave reviews. For me, to nurture and extend that passion and energy with additional skills,  sharing my knowledge and experience,  is one of the many pleasures of my job.

Plenty of jobs require skills that you’ll never use outside of the office. Being a chef is an amazing professional talent that can also be used and shared in our daily lives.”

Find Out More…

Would you like to fin out more about the opportunities in the New Continental Groups Kitchen for apprentices? Then please email: nikkif@newcontinental.co.uk with an introductory email.

If you are still wondering if a #chefslife is the life for you; then perhaps this may help: 5 Reasons Why A Chefs Life Is A GREAT Life! 

5 Reasons You Might Become A Chef…

Posted on by Elinor Eaton

For seven years Paul Doidge, our Executive Chef, has been passionately banging the drum for his profession and working closely with our chef apprentices. He shares  with us  5 reasons why people often consider a career as a Chef. 

At FIVE:

The perception for many is that cheffing is a ‘low skilled’ professional. You can rest assure that anyone making this assumption has never been a professional chef! It’s not only about a natural talent and creativity; depending on where you want to take your future, cheffing is a profession that is highly scientific, mathematical and requires exacting precision. High-level cooking is as much a science as an art.

 

At FOUR:

The freedom, possibility and direction is endless! There are jobs for chefs all over the world,  on cruise ships, in large restaurants and little bistros… You don’t have to take a year out to have a globe-trotting lifestyle, you can do what you love, make people happy with your food and make money all at the same time! If you really want the freedom to travel, working as a chef might be the way you can make that happen.

At THREE:

Artists work to please the eyes; chefs do the same thing, but for every sense and the soul!  The work of an inventive and dedicated chef is every bit as much an act of passion and creation as that that goes into a painting or sculpting.

At TWO:

Giving people experiences they will fondly remember and moments they will never forget is a huge attraction for the caring chef. People with giving, passionate personalities tend to thrive as chefs for exactly that reason. As a chef, you can use the power of food to get people to enjoy healthy eating, or explore different cultures, or even just smile. There is nothing better than to hear people compliment your food and say what a lovely time they had.

At ONE:

The love of food! Possibly the very best reason to become a chef is because you just love food. It doesn’t have to be any more complicated than that!

JOG Your Memory | Student Life | Join The Gym!

Posted on by Elinor Eaton

JUST £0.66p A DAY!

(Less than two pints of milk!)

Working out is a great way to relax and boost your mood; but studies also show that healthy, active students are more productive in lectures too.

Tiring as it sounds, thinking about adding the Gym to your already hectic schedules, what’s great about working out is it really will give you more energy to do all the things you love.

You may have noticed that the nights out and occasional takeaways have made you feel a bit sluggish.  Fitting exercise into your every day routine will make you feel so much better AND it really is easier than you think …

Club Continental Student Offer…

We ask our Club Continental Manager, Adam,  why the students he works with feel better since joining the Gym:

 

man standing with arms crossed“Physically active students perform better academically. The regular routine of healthy exercise really helps them perform at their best. It’s so much more than just the actual activity itself; more than improving  just the body through building muscle strength and endurance.  Keeping fit is one of the most important things you can do for your health yes; but also general well-being.  The students I work with have all said that by taking part in regular physical activity, they perform better academically.”

“I honestly think that now more than ever, students in higher education are under more pressure. Having to balance studies, finances and their social lives. I was reading in a report published  by the Office Of National Statistics that mental health issues for students are on the rise, particularly the feelings of loneliness and isolation.”

“So, yes it’s more than just trying not to be a couch potato, but it’s not necessarily about becoming a certified fitness fanatic either. It’s about students investing in themselves, in a healthy, positive way so they can be their best.”

 

If you’re thinking about joining a gym, to either get into better shape or just keep fit; we have the solution – without breaking the bank!
For less than the cost of two pints of milk a day, our special student discount is open to everyone over 16 years old and in education.

What are the other benefits?

No Commitment | you can hold or stop your membership at anytime.
No FEES | there is no hidden costs, no joining fee and no admin fee; just £20 per month.
Open For You | we are open 7 days a week!
Pay As You Go | we have a pay as you go option too!
City Centre Location | walking distance from all city colleges, training centres and the University.
FREE Parking | no need to worry about permits or city centre parking fees!
Enterprise Grade Wi-Fi | throughout the Club – you can be connected!
Be Social | it’s a great way to connect with Plymouth!
Be Motivated | our staff are PT trained and will always offer you free advice and guidance if you need it. So you can make sure you make the most out of every session.

So, with Club Continental you can stay healthy and fit without breaking the bank. You can burn off the calories from that occasional alcoholic beverage and takeaway without burning a hole in your pocket! You can clear your head on the treadmill, relax in the steam room or release some tension on the weights.

We work hard to suit your student lifestyle; no catch, just the opportunity for you to use all of our facilities and de-stress for £20 a month for as long as you want!

Student Facebook Competition T&Cs

Win 3 months FREE membership at Club Continental… Tell us in the comments section of the competition why you LOVE being a student in Plymouth for the chance to win 3 months FREE gym membership! TERMS AND CONDITIONS: 1.This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by or associated with Facebook. 2.Entrants must […]

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Five Minutes With | What An Event..!

Posted on by Elinor Eaton

New Continental Hotel, PlymouthFor us, our teams are an integral part of how and why we do what we do.

We know that there is no way we would be able to achieve and deliver without a truly passionate bunch of people supporting, empowering and enabling our objectives.

Our staff are our backbone and we take five minutes to talk all things ‘events’ with one of our Events Co-ordinator.

Five Minutes With Katie | lady sat on a rock in the sun surrounded by green grass

How long have you worked in the Tourism & Hospitality Sector?
It has been over 4 ½ years now. It has gone by so quickly and I have learnt so much.

How does it feel being part of the New Continental Hotel Family?

Just that! – Part of a family! Because it’s a family run business, you are made to feel like part of a large, supportive family. This gives you an even greater sense of pride in everything that the hotel achieves. It’s the main reason I love working here. I know for a fact it’s the main reason that so many members of staff have been here for so long. I feel I’m amongst family and friends.

There are lots of changes planned for Plymouth in the gear up to 2020, how might this affect you and your department?
Hopefully in a very positive way! It’s an exciting time for the city bringing in a lot of new and exciting opportunities. I feel the hotel is a major part of Plymouth’s rich history and hope this alongside our excellent facilities and central location will entice potential new clients for us as well as older ones who want to hold their events in an iconic Plymouth destination.

What does your day look like..?

Tell us about a day in your life?
No day is the same as no event or function we hold is ever the same so the preparation and planning varies on a daily basis. On a typical day I will be preparing for an upcoming event- creating place cards, table plans, creating function sheets so that each department knows what needs to be done for this event. Communicating with the function organiser to make sure all their needs are being met. I also show around lots of potential wedding couples and event organisers- showing them our function rooms and what we can offer to their event- going through menus and printing etc. Always researching or working on the next blog too!

What’s the most rewarding/enjoyable part of your job?
Seeing an event successfully come together; whether it is a wedding, corporate event or any other type of function.

Knowing we’ve all worked together to make sure every aspect of the event either matches or exceeds the client’s expectations. I also love seeing a wedding couple that I have been working with and getting to know get married and say ‘I Do’. It’s a huge honour to be part of someone’s big day and helping to create wonderful memories for them.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I’m not very good at looking too far into the future. I’m a very ‘of the moment’ type of person but I hope to be happy, healthy, providing all I can for my family whilst doing all the things I feel most passionate about. Plus working hard to achieve my goals whilst supporting others.

What’s your advice for those wanting to enter hospitality..?

What advice would you give anyone looking to get into our sector?
A positive and friendly ‘can do’ attitude will help you go far in this industry. A willingness to do all you can for people plus be willing to go the extra mile for customers. Good customer Service is essential. Bing able to think on the spot to resolve issues quickly whilst providing excellent service to all clients and guests is key.

Illuminate 2018 – Plymouth Shining Brightly

Posted on by Elinor Eaton

Proud To Be The Official Hotel Partner…

What we love most about our beautiful city is the people so passionate about making it shine…and shine it really will this weekend! And what’s more – you still have two nights to enjoy it!

Royal William Yard | FREE ENTRY | 17:30 – 22:00

Illuminate is a spectacular light-based festival that connects all of the Mayflower 400 destinations across the UK and internationally.

In 2017 Plymouth’s Illuminate celebrations saw parts of Royal William Yard turned into a spectacular display of light-based art installations and projections. This year, we truly believe, it’s even brighter!

In 2018 Illuminate has definitely grown; it’s showcasing projections and light art installations from local, national and international artists. It provides a vibrant, fun and inspiring experience for everyone. It has become a signature event in Mayflower 400’s programme; and an annual large-scale light festival that will be a highlight in Plymouth’s event calendar.

This weekend the Royal William Yard is lit up with light installations, immersive visual art and light projections. Illuminate, an event marking the anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower, has grown for 2017, and taken on a new location in Plymouth’s historic former victualling yard.

If you have yet to experience it, then it’s a real must see event in Plymouth. Crowds  have the chance to walk around and see some fantastic light installations and projections around the yard as well as being entertained by music, food stalls, glowing candyfloss and the amazing settings offering food and fun around the yard.

For more information visit the Illuminate Festival website and you can download the Illuminate Map here!

Have a bright weekend – and be lit up by Plymouth!

Why Apprenticeships Matter In Hospitality …

Posted on by Elinor Eaton

Why do an apprenticeship..?

Can you have a hotel without passion..? What is a holiday without exceptional service..? We must engage, empower and enable young people..!

Paul Doidge, Executive Chef for the New Continental Group explains why he is an ambassador and advocate for anything that gives young people a springboard that connects them to a future in hospitality…

The government initiative to fund three million apprentice places by 2020 has had a mixed response. So, after the first year we take a look at the benefits attached to apprenticeships. For both the New Continental Hotel, Plymouth and our sector.

As a family business we feel it is our duty to ensure guests have the very best experiences. Yet we also feel it’s our duty to do the same for our staff too. We aim to ensure our staff feel appreciated, empowered and enabled – as well as knowing their value and unlocking their potential.

Paul Doidge shares the facts…

“Apprenticeships are excellent for up skilling staff whilst also recruiting and retaining top, young talent. Recent research has shown us that 70% of apprentices stay with their employers once completing their qualification. This is really amazing statistics.  For us, apprenticeships aren’t just about the value they offer the apprentice, but also the value they give our business and sector as a whole. Having an apprenticeship programme is one of the best ways of creating a more motivated, passionate and satisfied workforce.

What’s more, it ensures growth in our sector and a future that is bursting with energy and enthusiasm.  With young people passionate about a profession within hospitality. There have been great strides  taken within our sector over the last 20 years, not only by us, but many amazing companies who are championing the industry. As a united front a huge change is coming, by us all sharing the same vision,  recruiting new talent and tackling the somewhat negative perception of working within the industry means we are making leaps and bounds in the right direction.”

What do apprentices do for our sector?

“For us, as an independent hotel,  apprentices help decrease the skills gap but also change the narrative over time on the positives and many benefits that chefs can reap from working within our sector. As the new levy moves boldly into its second year we can look forward to  incubating the next generation to attract, retain and develop new shining lights. This will help brighten all of our futures and is most definitely the way forward.”

What IS the levy?

“Like many changes, understanding them sometimes feels like you need a post doctorate to wade your way through the facts and figures! I am no expert, but working with City College Plymouth has helped me understand the essence of the levy.

Basically it requires all companies (with a pay bill of more than £3m) to contribute 0.5% of their payroll costs to the scheme. They then claim back for training. This amount is then topped up by 10% from the government. Businesses with pay bills below £3m don’t pay into the fund but they still have access to government subsidies of 90% of the cost of the apprenticeship, with the employers co-paying the additional 10%.

A year in and many are now asking for the Apprenticeship Levy transfer fund cap to be expanded from 10% to 50% to help support SMEs, as they make up of 90% of the hospitality industry.”

Do you practise what you preach?

“Although we are definitely not pretending to be experts in the field, we have had apprentices for many years and are pleased and encouraged that we are seeing apprentices lead on to successful, long-term careers in hospitality. What we also love to see is the numbers doing higher level apprenticeships have also increased. There is no doubt that like us, those businesses that are open to this real and purposeful way of working really do benefit.

By spending just a little  time getting to know the right apprenticeship provider, who are the experts, can bring you many benefits and we are so grateful for the support we get from City College Plymouth.”

Why is it important to have the right partners?

“The apprentices take what they learn from the classroom environment and apply it in a real and purposeful way. If both sides of the equation, the college and the business don’t collaborate well, then the programme will fail.  Speaking in terms of the world of  hospitality, by working tightly together there becomes more relevant and rigorous training and qualifications that really mean something.

The future within our sector cannot be depicted only by bricks and mortar as we strive for 5*, but by passion, enthusiasm and young people who understand their value and who are inspired to turn their passions into a profession that matters.”

Steve's Brasserie will be closed from the 20th December 2024, re-opening on the 6th January 2025 (Room Service and Bar Snacks will still be available)Click here for Club Continental's Christmas and New Year Opening Times