We all know as an apprentice with Mitchells & Butlers you receive 33% discount across every Mitchells & Butlers pub and restaurant. But did you also know that every year our teams across the UK take time out to #ApplaudAnApprentice who they think deserves to be put in the spotlight? This can be recognising everything from their attitude to their ideas and hard work. So, this #NationalApprenticeshipWeek we’re showcasing eight different apprentices who are being recognised by our teams.

1.    For always looking to learn, Stuart McPhillips, Toby Carvery

Stuart’s described as an absolute gem. His team says he is always there when he’s needed, takes feedback on board and turns everything into a positive. He helps anyone who enters the restaurant, whether it’s a guest or team member, you can always rely on Stuart’s smile greeting you. He's taken on the role as team trainer with gusto, a definite star of the future.

2.    For rolling the sleeves up to get involved, Luke, Vintage Inns 

Luke joined The Lamb Inn on the kitchen apprenticeship scheme. Luke has gone from strength to strength in the past month, showing a tenacious attitude and getting stuck to every challenge! Luke’s team wants to recognise all of his hard work and they can't wait to see how far he goes!

Lucy’s team decided to applaud Lucy after joining Toby Carvery Snaresbrook around two years ago as a team member and developing leaps and bounds, with fantastic personal drive and ambition.

4.    For always being there to lend a helping hand, Gareth Connell, All Bar One

All Bar One Newcastle’s Kitchen Apprentice Gareth Connell is being applauded for always being eager and willing to learn. Gareth’s co-workers say he is a valuable member of their kitchen team, always helps when he’s needed and plays a vital role together with the rest of the kitchen team.

McKenzie Smith gets great comments and feedback from her Lifetime Training coach. She has mastered starters and desserts and is now moving onto creating main dishes. She has a “can do” attitude and gets great feedback from her co-workers!

Chelise and Rebekka work together in a Harvester restaurant and have been applauded for their pride and engagement in the restaurant! They are both progressing brilliantly as Chelsie has recently become an Assistant Manager, with Rebekka on her way to becoming a Shift Supervisor.

The team at Nicholson’s Henry Addington say they feel privileged to have Zak as part of our kitchen team. He is professional, adaptable and always approaches his work with a smile. Zak has an extremely bright future, watch out for the name!

So that’s eight rounds of applause for our eight apprentice stories, but there’s so many more happening across our pubs and restaurants. If you feel inspired by one of these eight stories to discover how an apprenticeship could be the kickstart to your career journey, check out our apprenticeship page.