Spotlight on our apprentices
As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2025, we caught up with our apprentices from across the business on their different experiences throughout their programmes to learn about their development, opportunities and inspiration.
Simone Binotti, Customer Service Practitioner Level 2 - Foodbuy
How has an apprenticeship helped with your professional and personal development?
I’ve learnt to effectively analyse situations, prioritise tasks, and communicate more clearly with my team, which has strengthened my professional relationships. Compass has also given me a lot of tools like self-assessments, SWOT analysis, and the Disc Profile, which have really helped me reflect on my development. Sometimes, you’re so busy working that you don’t stop to assess yourself. These tools have helped me understand myself better and figure out where I want to grow. I’m really proud of how far I’ve come!
Emma Dukes, Operation Manager Level 5 – Gather & Gather
How do you feel an apprenticeship compares to traditional classroom learning?
Generally, we don't identify our individual learning styles until at higher education or apprenticeship level, but this is extremely important in understanding yourself and how you best learn skills and knowledge.
Understanding and accepting this helps to make informed decisions about the educational path that is best for you. An apprenticeship allows you to learn but also work and earn while doing it. You also gain first-hand experience of the qualification you’re working towards, setting you on the right foot for when you qualify, and allowing you to grow within your own role. The apprenticeship opened my eyes into the possibilities of how I can apply the knowledge, skills and behaviour not only in the role that I had, but also how I could transfer the new skills into other roles.
Agata Kisiel, Retail Manager Level 4
How has your apprenticeship influenced your career goals?
I really believe that I wouldn’t have succeeded in my current role without the apprenticeship. It gave me a lot of confidence in my abilities. Every decision I make now has a purpose because I understand the ‘why’ behind it. I’ve matured in my role and now see the high standards I want to put into the business.
Joanne Pinkstone, HR Support Advisor Level 3, Chartwells Independents
What skills have you learnt during this apprenticeship?
This course has given me the skills and knowledge to adapt to different situations I come across in work. This hasn‘t only helped me grow professionally, but also personally. I’m now better positioned to help family and friends in tough times and I’m a lot more open as a person.
Roselle Wu, Commis Chef Level 2 – ESS
What has been your biggest achievement so far?
My head chef Owen is always encouraging us to enter competitions. I’ve done a few recently in London where I won three medals for silver and bronze. I also competed in Apprentice Chef of the Year and secured second place, which has really helped put my name out there!
Stewart Wooles Hospitality Management Level 4, ESS Defence
What does your current apprenticeship entail?
My Hospitality Management Level 4 apprenticeship involves a lot of written work, including essays on staff rosters and leadership styles. I also handle health and safety documentation and catering due diligence to keep everything running smoothly. But the best part has been training up my management team. It’s rewarding to see them grow and develop their skills.
Claire McHardy, Next Levele Operations Manager, Levy and Compass Scotland
Could you tell us more about the workshops?
The workshops are one of my favourite parts of the programme. They’re practical and bespoke to Levy and designed with us in mind and many of the project examples use real-life scenarios. The workshops are very hands-on and practical, and you learn so much about yourself and how you can apply the learnings to your role in practice.
Abu-Hamza Ali, Associate Accountant Level 3, Restaurant Associates Group
How has your apprenticeship influenced your career goals?
My apprenticeship has shown me the routes available in finance and how I could progress with my career, as well as equipping me with the skills to get there. It’s taught me that I prefer to be involved in the details rather than the managing side of things, which is useful in directing me towards the right career path.
Albert Barbuta, Hospitality Manager Level 4, Eurest
What advice would you give to people thinking about an apprenticeship?
I always tell my friends and colleagues that apprenticeships are one of the best ways to progress in your career. You learn on the job, get paid, and come out with skills that will change your life. It’s a win-win situation! Make sure you’re fully committed, and it’ll be well worth it!
