How to get the most out of your apprenticeship
How to get the most out of your apprenticeship
So, you've got apprenticeships on your radar, have you? We already think you've got great taste. Apprenticeships are a brilliant way to learn a new trade or take your skills to the next level. The programmes are designed to build your confidence and knowledge and leave you with a qualification that will open up new doors.
Sounds great, right? But how do you get the most out of your apprenticeship? To help you out, we spoke to a few apprentices at Mitchells & Butlers. We'd like to introduce you to Ashlea, Josh and Lauren.
Ashea
Ashlea is part of the team at one of our Ember Inns sites in Birmingham. She is currently working towards her Level 2 Production Chef Apprenticeship where she's been supporting her business by working through the busy festive period and supporting sites nearby. She has set some fantastic goals for the future.
Jack
Jack originally joined us at Miller & Carter Grantham as a team member. But when he heard about the chef apprenticeship that M&B offers, he couldn’t turn down an opportunity to learn more and changed into a chef overnight. He's been helping the back-of-house and front-of-house teams work better together because he gets both sides of the story.
Lauren
Lauren has been working in an Ember Inns site in Birmingham for 12 months and is completing her Level 2 Food and Beverage Apprenticeship. She's picked up so many new skills already that she's soon to be promoted to a team coach position.
Now that we're all on first-name basis, let's get into the good stuff and hear about their apprenticeships so far and their advice for you.
What is your favourite thing about working at M&B?
Ashlea - I love the fact that it is engaging - there is always something to do. There is no waiting around for work to be given to you - you can always find something to do and learn. Plus, the team here is super friendly!
Josh - There are so many benefits, like the discounts. And it’s a really friendly, positive environment. There are loads of opportunities to grab as well. I started in the waiting team but got a chance to move into the kitchen.
Lauren - It’s such a large company, so I have loads of opportunities. I can go explore all the different brands and businesses if I wanted to.
What’s been your favourite part of your apprenticeship?
Ashlea - I’ve managed to cook on the grill and learnt how to cook steaks to the customer's liking. This was scary at first, but now I love it!
Josh - Working the busy shifts and trying to keep up with everyone else.
Lauren - The fact that I’ve learnt so many new things. I didn’t know much at the start, and this really gets me excited.
What skills have you learnt so far?
Ashlea - I’m more confident, I manage my time and social life better, and I enjoy working.
Josh - Organisation and making sure my section is ready to go. The Spec is our bible. We use it to make sure every dish is spot on so guests know how great our food is, no matter where in the country they’re eating it.
Lauren - I’ve really improved my customer service skills, and I’ve also learnt how to balance my work and social life.
Have you had any funny moments in your new role?
Ashlea - Yes! When I saw the calamari for the first time, I didn’t know what it was. There were tentacles on it and everything, and it looked like it didn’t belong here. Everyone was laughing at my reaction!
Josh - There’s been lots of dropping. I dropped some raspberries, and it looked like blood everywhere. The teams’ faces were really funny.
Lauren - Getting into the kitchen and learning how to ‘chef’ in my new chef whites was a funny moment! Cooking my first fish was fun but kind of scary!
Where do you see your apprenticeship taking you?
Ashlea - I would love to be a Head Chef. Once I finish the Level 2 Chef Apprenticeship, I want to do the Chefs’ Academy and learn to cook food that isn’t on the menu. I like the fact I get paid to learn and progress.
Josh - I want to be a full-time chef with a qualification because this is what I enjoy.
Lauren - I would like to go into management. I'm hoping to start the course for my next role soon, so hopefully, I’m on my way.
Do you have any advice for anyone else who is just starting or thinking about starting an apprenticeship with M&B?
Ashlea - Do it! Get stuck in wherever you can. Try everything, and ask to try more. You need to stay on top of your work though, so ask for help if you need it - everyone is up for helping.
Josh - Stay on top of your apprenticeship work. And, if you have questions, ask them. No question is too silly!
Lauren - Learn everything you are supposed to at home and try your hardest to put it into practice at work because it really helps.
Come and join the team!
No matter what experience you have, there’s an apprenticeship programme with your name on it at Mitchells & Butlers.
Not only will you earn while you learn, but you also get to work with your besties. Our apprentices come from all sorts of backgrounds, but they have one thing in common - they do things the M&B way. Check out apprenticeships at M&B to find out more about what it means to work with us.
Receive articles like this
See what we're all about
We're shaping a workplace where everyone thrives. Explore the heart and soul of Mitchells & Butlers by checking out our guiding principles.
Some articles you might like
Teaser
ManagementContent Type
BlogPublish date
12/04/2024
Summary
Thinking about becoming a General Manager? Here’s what you’ll need to succeed The path to becoming a General Manager is as rewarding as it is challenging, but success doesn’t happen by chance. I
by
Laura Kelly
Teaser
CultureContent Type
BlogPublish date
12/04/2024
Summary
At Mitchells & Butlers (M&B), our General Managers are the heartbeat of our business, driving excellence in hospitality and creating unforgettable guest experiences. We believe in celebrating su
by
Rebecca Skeet
Teaser
ManagementContent Type
BlogPublish date
11/28/2024
Summary
Temporary Christmas jobs are a great way to earn extra cash for the holidays while gaining valuable work experience. They offer the chance to build new skills and try out roles like bar, waiting
by
Rebecca Skeet
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogPublish date
11/28/2024
Summary
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to lead a buzzing kitchen team, create memorable dining experiences, and make your mark in hospitality, you’re in the right place. To give you a better ide
by
Laura Kelly
Teaser
CultureContent Type
BlogPublish date
11/27/2024
Summary
As we approach St Andrew’s Day, it’s the perfect time to celebrate not only the rich culture and history of Scotland but also the opportunities available within Mitchells and Butlers. What is St
by
Rebecca Skeet
Teaser
Bar and WaitingContent Type
BlogPublish date
11/27/2024
Summary
It’s that time of year again, university students are going back, freshers is in full swing, and so many students are moving across the country! We know that having a pub job at uni is the best
by
Rachel Weaver
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
11/22/2024
Summary
In today's busy world of pubs and bars, it's not just about the drinks. What really sets a place apart is how well they treat their guests. At M&B, we believe that every interaction is an opportu
by
Katie Handy
Teaser
Bar and WaitingContent Type
BlogPublish date
11/22/2024
Summary
So, you're thinking about a bar job in London? Let me tell you, it's not just a job – it's a lifestyle upgrade! Picture this: every shift is a chance to meet new people, learn new skills, and ex
by
Rebecca Houseago
Teaser
Bar and WaitingContent Type
BlogPublish date
11/06/2024
Summary
What is a part-time job?A part-time job is pretty much what it sounds like—a role where you work fewer hours than a full-time position. For anyone looking to earn some extra income, balance work
by
Sophie Dawson
Teaser
ManagementContent Type
BlogPublish date
11/06/2024
Summary
At Mitchells & Butlers, we pride ourselves on the growth and development opportunities we provide to our employees. We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Christian, General Manager of th
by
Rebecca Houseago
Jobs you might like...
Salary
Competitive Salary
Location
Harvester - Bridge, Wheatley, OX33 1JH
Departments
Chef
Hours
Full Time
Vacancy Type
Other role
Brand
Harvester
Location
Wheatley
Description
No CV to hand? No problem! We've made our application process mobile friendly and removed the need for a CV. Our form takes 2 minutes to complete and tells us all we need about you! As a Chef at the B
Reference
2349860
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Competitive Salary
Location
Harvester - Ravenswood, Ipswich, IP3 9GF
Departments
Shift Supervisor
Hours
Full Time
Vacancy Type
Other role
Brand
Harvester
Location
Ipswich
Description
No CV to hand? No problem! We've made our application process mobile friendly and removed the need for a CV. Our form takes 2 minutes to complete and tells us all we need about you! As Shift Superviso
Reference
2341560
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Competitive Salary
Location
EGO - Penhow, Penhow, NP26 3AD
Departments
Chef
Hours
Full Time
Vacancy Type
Other role
Brand
EGO
Location
Penhow
Description
No CV to hand? No problem! We've made our application process mobile friendly and removed the need for a CV. Our form takes 2 minutes to complete and tells us all we need about you! As a Chef de Parti
Reference
2341236
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Fancy an
award winning apprenticeship
Ever thought about an apprenticeship? Fire up your career with one of our multi-award winning apprenticeship programmes which are designed to give you the skills to become a hospitality pro.
Perks of the job...
Love dining out? You'll love it even more with a massive 33% discount across all our brands when you join us. Whether it's date night at Miller & Carter or family roast at Toby Carvery, we’ve got you covered. See what other tasty benefits we offer…