How to get the most out of your apprenticeship

So, you've got apprenticeships on your radar, have you? We already think you've got great taste. Apprenticeships are a brilliant way to learn a new trade or take your skills to the next level. The programmes are designed to build your confidence and knowledge and leave you with a qualification that will open up new doors.

Sounds great, right? But how do you get the most out of your apprenticeship? To help you out, we spoke to a few apprentices at Mitchells & Butlers. We'd like to introduce you to Ashlea, Josh and Lauren.

Ashea

Ashlea is part of the team at one of our Ember Inns sites in Birmingham. She is currently working towards her Level 2 Production Chef Apprenticeship where she's been supporting her business by working through the busy festive period and supporting sites nearby. She has set some fantastic goals for the future.

Jack

Jack originally joined us at Miller & Carter Grantham as a team member. But when he heard about the chef apprenticeship that M&B offers, he couldn’t turn down an opportunity to learn more and changed into a chef overnight. He's been helping the back-of-house and front-of-house teams work better together because he gets both sides of the story.

Lauren

Lauren has been working in an Ember Inns site in Birmingham for 12 months and is completing her Level 2 Food and Beverage Apprenticeship. She's picked up so many new skills already that she's soon to be promoted to a team coach position.

Now that we're all on first-name basis, let's get into the good stuff and hear about their apprenticeships so far and their advice for you.

What is your favourite thing about working at M&B?

Ashlea - I love the fact that it is engaging - there is always something to do. There is no waiting around for work to be given to you - you can always find something to do and learn. Plus, the team here is super friendly!

Josh - There are so many benefits, like the discounts. And it’s a really friendly, positive environment. There are loads of opportunities to grab as well. I started in the waiting team but got a chance to move into the kitchen.

Lauren - It’s such a large company, so I have loads of opportunities. I can go explore all the different brands and businesses if I wanted to.

What’s been your favourite part of your apprenticeship?

Ashlea - I’ve managed to cook on the grill and learnt how to cook steaks to the customer's liking. This was scary at first, but now I love it!

Josh - Working the busy shifts and trying to keep up with everyone else.

Lauren - The fact that I’ve learnt so many new things. I didn’t know much at the start, and this really gets me excited.

What skills have you learnt so far?

Ashlea - I’m more confident, I manage my time and social life better, and I enjoy working.

Josh - Organisation and making sure my section is ready to go. The Spec is our bible. We use it to make sure every dish is spot on so guests know how great our food is, no matter where in the country they’re eating it.

Lauren - I’ve really improved my customer service skills, and I’ve also learnt how to balance my work and social life.

Have you had any funny moments in your new role?

Ashlea - Yes! When I saw the calamari for the first time, I didn’t know what it was. There were tentacles on it and everything, and it looked like it didn’t belong here. Everyone was laughing at my reaction!

Josh - There’s been lots of dropping. I dropped some raspberries, and it looked like blood everywhere. The teams’ faces were really funny.

Lauren - Getting into the kitchen and learning how to ‘chef’ in my new chef whites was a funny moment! Cooking my first fish was fun but kind of scary!

Where do you see your apprenticeship taking you?

Ashlea - I would love to be a Head Chef. Once I finish the Level 2 Chef Apprenticeship, I want to do the Chefs’ Academy and learn to cook food that isn’t on the menu. I like the fact I get paid to learn and progress.

Josh - I want to be a full-time chef with a qualification because this is what I enjoy.

Lauren - I would like to go into management. I'm hoping to start the course for my next role soon, so hopefully, I’m on my way.

Do you have any advice for anyone else who is just starting or thinking about starting an apprenticeship with M&B?

Ashlea - Do it! Get stuck in wherever you can. Try everything, and ask to try more. You need to stay on top of your work though, so ask for help if you need it - everyone is up for helping.

Josh - Stay on top of your apprenticeship work. And, if you have questions, ask them. No question is too silly!

Lauren - Learn everything you are supposed to at home and try your hardest to put it into practice at work because it really helps.

Come and join the team!

No matter what experience you have, there’s an apprenticeship programme with your name on it at Mitchells & Butlers.

Not only will you earn while you learn, but you also get to work with your besties. Our apprentices come from all sorts of backgrounds, but they have one thing in common - they do things the M&B way. Check out apprenticeships at M&B to find out more about what it means to work with us.