In recognition of Hospitality Apprenticeship Week (5 to 11 October), we're shining a spotlight on our apprentices and celebrating the diverse career opportunities, valuable skills, and rewarding pathways that apprenticeships unlock across our business and the wider hospitality industry.
In a company first, two apprentices have been recruited into the Change Team, part of the wider Enterprise Transformation and Change function.
Tom Cole and Tom Darvill joined the Change Team earlier this year and are currently completing the L6 Service Designer Apprenticeship with delivery partner, IODA.
This specialist apprenticeship is designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to support and lead business-wide initiatives. Throughout the 19-month programme, they will develop expertise across a range of key areas, including: transformational leadership, data-driven business improvement through technology, embedding continuous improvement and assessment.
Upon successful completion of the programme, the apprentices will achieve the Level 6 Service Designer Apprenticeship Standard alongside the CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Leadership and Management.
Gareth Scott, our Head of Change Programme Delivery said: “Launching the first-ever Change Apprentice Pathway was a major commitment for our business, driven by a very clear purpose and ambition to broaden our function. Change Management is an essential bridge connecting our transformation initiatives with the reality of our frontline teams. We already have two brilliant apprentices out in the business, listening and learning. The operational awareness they are building will be a driving force in our ongoing transformation journey further enhancing our work in this area.”
Jonathan Foot, our Director of Skills & Early Careers said: “This fantastic programme is enabling our apprentices to play an active role in driving and supporting transformation and change projects, while developing the strategic thinking and leadership. Recruiting directly into Level 6 roles truly showcases how apprenticeships can support career development and talent progression across a wide range of roles. Apprenticeships don’t just provide a first step on the career ladder; they also provide a pathway into highly skilled and specialist roles.”
Lisa Reynolds, Managing Director of IODA, part of the Apprentify Group, said: “We are proud to partner with Compass on their Change Apprenticeship Pathway. The L6 Service Designer Apprenticeship equips people to lead meaningful change within their organisation, and it’s fantastic to see Compass invest in building long-term capability. Tom and Tom are a fantastic example of what is possible when passion and a desire to develop are met with the right support. We are looking forward to seeing them grow in their roles and to implement all they have learned within the business.”
Tom Cole said: “Choosing a career pivot after already establishing yourself comes with vulnerability, but curiosity has always pushed me further than comfort ever could. Through Compass, this apprenticeship is expanding not just my knowledge, but my perspective, working alongside exceptional minds who constantly challenge how I think, learn, and lead. This is a great opportunity for our focus on future looking projects, so I am excited to learn more and share with the wider business.”
Tom Darvill said: "Compass apprenticeships opened a world of new opportunities for me. I'm excited to be a part of this journey with the Change team and help shape the future technology of Compass."
Apprenticeships are a key pillar of our talent strategy enabling skills capability, retention, career progression, and measurable impact for the Compass business and clients. They also support Compass Group UK & Ireland’s Our Social Promise, which includes ‘Mission to a Million’ – a pledge to provide support to one million people by 2030 through jobs, training, community engagement and development.
Compass offers a wide range of apprenticeship programmes, from Level 2 through to Level 6, all delivered in partnership with specialist external training providers. To find out more about the apprenticeship pathways offered at Compass, click here: Compass Group apprenticeships