Working in hospitality: Hilton’s school leaver opportunities

Emma Finamore
Last updated 05 Jul 2016

We spoke to Kathryn Porter, Director of Youth Strategy EMEA at the prestigious Hilton Worldwide, about why all school leavers should consider working in hospitality and the wide range of apprenticeships offered by Hilton at its dedicated Apprentice Academy.

Tell us about Hilton's school leaver opportunities?

A career in hospitality is a great choice for young people looking for work when they leave school. It offers adventure, excitement, travel, a huge variety of roles and solid career progression opportunities.

Here at Hilton we offer a number of entry-level opportunities, dependent on an individual’s previous employment experience and education. Our hugely successful Apprenticeship Academy is ideal for school leavers looking to kick start their career.

With programmes across seven functions, the Academy has something for everyone - from the kitchen to engineering or the front desk.

Enhanced learning opportunities relevant to young peoples’ experiences and ability are available as part of our apprenticeship programmes, for example opportunities for individuals to develop supervisory and leadership skills and fast-track their career progression.

Hilton’s Apprenticeship Academy consists of one to three year programmes with individuals working towards Level 2 and 3 Apprenticeship Qualifications.

What support do apprentices receive?

Engaging and motivating young people early in their careers is key to what we do, and so every apprentice agrees with their line manager on an individual learning plan based on their experience, education, learning style and agility. Individuals receive wide-ranging support throughout their training from line managers, coaches, buddies and industry experts.

In addition, these plans typically include a mix of Development Workshops and Masterclasses that teach the additional skills and knowledge needed to become an expert in their field and prepared for career progression.

The Hilton Apprenticeship Academy is fully funded, with tuition fees covered and apprentices earning a wage for the duration of the training.

What do Hilton apprentices go onto?

The majority of young people completing programmes do stay with Hilton and whilst some continue to develop their competence and expertise in the same area, others try out different functions within the organisation.

Many grow and progress into supervisory and management roles, while in the longer term opportunities in the company and industry are boundless with a number of Hilton’s executive chefs and senior leaders starting their careers in this way.

Why is hospitality good industry for school leavers?

Individuals working with us gain valuable management skills early in their careers, and take responsibility for parts of the business earlier on than they would in other industries.

These opportunities in hospitality are partly down to the rich diversity of jobs in the industry, which has the added value of there always being many routes for development, both in terms of different roles and locations.

What is the best thing about working in hospitality?

The opportunities to learn, develop, grow-fast, progress, explore new cultures, make life-long friends, have a sense of belonging, enjoy your work and be proud.

With programmes across seven functions, the Apprenticeship Academy has something for everyone - from the kitchen to engineering or the front desk.

Typically, what do apprentices do after their programmes?

Why is hospitality a good industry for people not going to university?

Individuals working with us gain valuable management skills early in their careers, and take responsibility for parts of the business earlier on than they would in other industries.

What is the best thing about working in hospitality?

The opportunities to learn, develop, grow-fast, progress, explore new cultures, make life-long friends, have a sense of belonging, enjoy your work and be proud.

News