Pub employees from Spirit Pub Company were treated to a celebratory lunch to recognise their success in the company’s Apprenticeship qualification.

More than 35 team players were invited to the award ceremony to personally receive their certificates and be thanked for their hard work and success from Spirit’s HR director, Debbie Moore.

Among the group was Jessica Maynard, 21, who is rising star at Flaming Grill pub the Whitehills in Northampton after completing her Level 2 Apprenticeship in Food & Beverage and moving up to the career path to deputy general manager position

Jessica has now completed her second apprenticeship and has received a NVQ Certificate in Team Leading. She said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the apprenticeships that I’ve undertaken at the Whitehills, it’s been a fantastic learning experience and I feel extremely motivated to continue to develop and further my career.”

The Apprenticeship Programme was created to provide a clear career pathway for those working in the hospitality sector and offer an alternative to university for those keen to progress through a vocational route.

Debbie Moore, HR director for Spirit, said: “We are proud to recognise our team members that have undertaken apprenticeships. We want to build a reputation of the hospitality industry being a place where people can build a career. Apprenticeships and further qualifications allow our team to progress through the organisation in a structured and supportive manner and at a pace to suit their ambition and goals.”

The Apprenticeship Programme, which is supported by Charnwood Training Group and Mindleaders, now employs more than 400 apprentices over five apprenticeship qualifications.

Charnwood Training Group managing partner Jeremy Scorer said: “Hats off to all the apprentices involved in this programme. At Charnwood, we believe it’s really important to celebrate achievement as it presents a positive message to all involved so I’m delighted to be here to congratulate these apprentices in person. Our partnership with Spirit is going from strength to strength so I look forward to attending many more of these Celebration of Success events.”