Got what it takes to be a restaurant leader? Team Leader apprentice Samantha shares her story

What do you like best about working for M&B? 

There’s so many opportunities with M&B. I can easily get any training I need to progress in my job and have the support I need to progress. 

What attracted you to a M&B apprenticeship? 

I wanted to move up in my career and M&B gave me the opportunity to do that by doing these apprenticeships. They’re flexible as well and allows you to train while doing your job. 

What has been your highlight of the apprenticeship experience? 

As soon as I finished the first course I was basically straight on to the next one. I’ve learnt so much with the apprenticeship it really helps me be better in my job. 

What is your favourite part of your job role? 

Being able to work in a great team where we are all supportive of each other. Training new members and seeing them progress is pretty rewarding. 

Has the apprenticeship made you view your job role differently? 

Yes, within my job role I think about what I’m doing more, how I can improve and how the things I learn in the apprenticeship can be implemented in my job. 

Were there any challenges in your role, if you how did you overcome them? 

Yes, I have worked in the same site for just about four years so, the biggest challenge in my job role is getting the team to progress with me. When I first started to progress and have more of a managerial role it was a bit of a challenge getting the team to see me as more than a team member but they have all been really supportive once I explained my goal. Existing management are also really supportive and allow me to be more involved with things happening in the business. 

Would you recommend an apprenticeship to your team or friends?

 Yes definitely. If anyone would like to improve in their existing job role or progress through roles I would highly recommend an apprenticeship. 

What would you tell someone who is considering starting a M&B apprenticeship? 

Make the most of it. There is so much you can get out of a M&B apprenticeship and it’s so flexible to you and your hours/personal life. It really does teach you a lot. Also don’t be afraid to ask for help from your trainer, team or management. They’re there to help you. 

What is your next career goal? 

Next I’d like to become shift supervisor in the site I’m in at the moment then work my way up, one day hopefully I’ll be able to run my own business.