PREMIER Inn across Bournemouth and Poole this week announced the creation of 14 new apprenticeship roles for the local area while also graduating 11 of its team who have successfully completed the apprenticeship programme in the past year.

For the last 12 to 18 months, the apprentices have spent time in various departments of the hotel gaining qualifications and learning while earning a competitive wage.

They have gained qualifications in Maths and English along with an NVQ related to their job role.

The apprentices have taken part in off-site development days, business projects and now have a solid understanding of hotel operations.

Gina Kitchener, graduating apprentice from Premier Inn Bournemouth Central said: “I found the apprenticeship to be most rewarding.

“It developed my presentation skills and definitely boosted my confidence.

“I felt supported and praised throughout the year and the benefits keep on coming.

“I am now trained in multiple departments throughout my hotel, which not only helps me but also helps the business.

“Now I’ve finished the course, I am taking part in Premier Inn’s own management course. I wouldn’t have got this far without the encouragement of my manager and this company.”

Ed Pyke, cluster general manager for the area, added: “Having just been awarded 8th position in the Sunday Times best companies to work for survey, we are a fantastic company with which to build a hospitality career. The apprenticeship program represents a real opportunity to gain qualifications while getting paid and we see the apprentices as our future managers of our businesses.

“I am proud to announce our new intake of apprentices, which will benefit disadvantaged young people within the local area.”

Premier Inn will be running assessment centres for its new intake of apprentices at the end of March.

For more details and to apply visit http://goo.gl/2M7Giv.

Candidates must be aged 19 or below, have been a resident in the UK for at least 3 years, not in full or part-time education and have less than five GCSEs of grades A*-C.