As the school year draws to a close, Hospitality Apprenticeship North East (HANE) has opportunities for school leavers in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
The highly successful apprenticeship programme is now accepting applications for both Hospitality and Professional Cookery Apprenticeships in local hotels.
HANE, which is supported by Opportunity North East (ONE), offers young adults in the north east of Scotland the chance to build a successful career in one of the most dynamic and rewarding industries.
Graduates of the HANE programme are keen to point out that university is not the only route to a fulfilling and prosperous career. Many young people are discovering that apprenticeships provide a hands-on, practical approach to learning, allowing them to earn while they learn.
Rosa Jackson (21) became a HANE apprentice in August 2021 when she was an 18-year-old school leaver, graduating in May 2023. Rosa is now cluster sales executive for three Leonardo Hotels in Aberdeen as well as those in Inverness and Perth. She says, “I was looking to go to university to study hospitality management when I found the apprenticeship which I thought was a much better option as it gave me the opportunity to get into work rather than just studying. It was the best opportunity for me to go straight into the apprenticeship as it gave me the chance to learn, earn and work at the same time. The fact that the apprenticeship is paid meant I wasn’t at a loss while I was studying. And I felt a lot more independent at the age of 18 with a wage.
“If I could go back to being in school, I would definitely have changed my thought that university was the only option for me, especially as I knew that I wanted to go into hotels from a young age. I didn’t know there were opportunities like an apprenticeship where you don’t need a grade to get in like with university – you just need the attitude to want to work. By taking the apprenticeship route I’ve almost skipped four years.”
Ailsa Walker (18) graduated from HANE earlier in May this year and is currently a bar tender at Banchory Lodge Hotel. She says of her experience, “I left school at 16 and started at Banchory Lodge in October. I had live-in accommodation with my apprenticeship as it was a two-hour bus ride for me to get to work. My mum and dad helped me a lot by keeping me in touch with what was happening at home on the farm and sending photos of my dog.
“However, because I was earning as I was learning, I was able to save enough money to buy a car and move back home. My advice to someone just leaving school and is thinking about any kind of apprenticeship is just go for it. It’s a big leap but it’s so worth it for the amount of friends, experiences and confidence you gain – it’s an amazing experience like no other.”
Stephen Gow, chairman of HANE says, “Both the hospitality and professional cookery apprenticeship programmes are designed to equip school leavers and young adults under 24 with the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to thrive in the hospitality sector. HANE apprenticeships offer a competitive wage from day one, allowing young people to gain financial independence while they acquire valuable skills. With a blend of on-the-job training and classroom-based learning, apprentices gain a thorough understanding of the hospitality industry. The HANE apprenticeships pave the way for long-term career growth and success for our graduates.”
Partners in the Hospitality Apprentice North East programme include The Fife Arms in Braemar, Douneside House by Tarland and Meldrum House in Oldmeldrum.
Stephen Gow continues, “The HANE partners understand that parents want the best for their children and may be uncertain about the right path after school. Hospitality Apprenticeship North East offers a viable and rewarding alternative to university, one that is suited to practical, ambitious young people who are ready to start their careers now. By encouraging young adults to apply for our apprenticeship programmes, you are opening the door to a bright and prosperous future for them.”
Jennifer Craw, CEO of ONE, says, “HANE provides a practical career pathway for young people and develops future industry leaders in a growing sector at the heart of north east Scotland’s £1.1 billion visitor economy. The programme enables apprentices to earn while they learn and gain experience across the breadth of the hospitality sector. Any young person keen to work in hospitality should consider HANE to get their career off to a flying start.”
Applications are open for both the Hospitality and Professional Cookery Apprenticeships now. Interested candidates can find out more and apply at www.hospitalityapprentice.com.