With future dreams of running her own pub, Jade Reed jumped at the chance when she was given the opportunity to undertake the BII (British Institute of Innkeepers) Licensed Hospitality Intermediate Apprenticeship with HIT Training.
Jade works at The Stag, an Admiral Taverns pub in Stockton on Tees. She has worked at The Stag since August 2014 and has spent the last year studying for her apprenticeship whilst working full time and learning on the job. “Doing the apprenticeship with HIT Training really fitted in with my working hours”, said Jade. “My trainer assessor planned time to meet me off site in order to limit distractions and was able to work this around my shifts, usually meeting prior to my shift so I wasn’t travelling too much.”
When she started the course, Jade’s main objectives were to learn how to manage the bar during service, learn new skills in the cellar and to understand the licensing laws and how they apply to her workplace and role. “I feel like I’ve learnt so much more than I first set out to”, beamed Jade.“I have had training in serving wines, cellar maintenance, how to manage conflict, how to manage drugs, alcohol awareness and I now understand the legislation relating to licensing law. My self-study research on marketing and upselling means that I understand the market and how to cater for it. I also hold my own personal license.”
Jade will use everything she has learned so far to help her progress to management level in the industry. Since completing the intermediate level apprenticeship, Jade has signed up to do the Advanced Hospitality Supervision and Leadership Apprenticeship with HIT in preparation for a future in pub management. “The encouragement I’ve had from my manager to study and learn as much as I can in order to benefit my future career, has been second to none. My trainer assessor Lyndsey Urwin has also helped me every step of the way. I am a lone worker and have learned how to manage this and how to risk asses to ensure a safe working environment”
Manager Lee Mansell said, “We are very proud of how far Jade has come. We have given her responsibility for ordering and she manages the till and float. Jade also opens and closes the pub on her own, manages the cellar and runs shifts without supervision. Her confidence has doubled and we believe that she will go far to fulfil her dreams of running her own pub.”
