News

Galgorm Collection owns multiple sites in Northern Ireland, including the award-winning Galgorm Resort, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, The Old Inn, the 3AA Rosette River Room Restaurant, Gillies Bar & Grill, Castle Kitchen + Bar, Fratelli Galgorm, as well as Belfast restaurants Fratelli and Parisien. The company provides world-class hospitality across its venues, and successfully places major emphasis on staff development and progression opportunities.

Galgorm Collection identified that an apprenticeship programme is crucial for recruiting, retaining and upskilling staff, thus creating a natural pathway into management. To achieve this, they have worked in partnership with Inspiro Training since 2009. A total of 200 employees have gained apprenticeship qualifications since the partnership began, and 14 are currently learning.

The range of apprenticeships include:

• • L2 Front of House (reception)
  • L2 Food & Beverage
  • L2 Housekeeping
  • L2 Kitchen Services
  • L3 Hospitality Supervision & Leadership

Working alongside Inspiro, Galgorm Collection have developed relevant skills to meet the standards of their organisation through enhanced product knowledge, increased productivity and progression of apprentices from entry to management level, through continual personal and professional growth.

The partnership is sustainable given the investment and belief in employees to grow the business. A new Flow Learning Platform combines with the current apprenticeship programme and enhances the training, development and support of Galgorm’s staff, who truly make a difference. This is delivered through a blended learning approach with Inspiro Training.

Frequently, Inspiro deliver group teaching and learning for apprentices which has also been extended to include the wider team (non-apprentices) who benefit both from the knowledge gained and the increased camaraderie between the team.

The programme has resulted in numerous apprentices being promoted. For example, an apprentice receptionist who progressed into management is now advancing within a new part of the business. In turn, this creates opportunities for others to climb the career ladder, whilst supporting the sustainability of the apprenticeship programme and the continuation of the partnership.

Apprentices benefit from a better understanding of departmental areas and how they contribute towards a cohesive approach to doing profitable business. They have opportunities to progress and take on greater responsibility, which often leads to increased earnings.

Both parties look forward to the continued success of the partnership, which will further develop professional careers and provide service excellence that leaves every guest with a desire to return.