Winners : Apex Hotels

Winner in the Careers Adviser & Placement Tutor Nominated category

Apex Hotels own a number of hotels in London and across Scotland and were nominated by Queen Margaret University Careers Service. The University has built a strong relationship with Apex over many years and the hotel now offers a bursary to QMU students.

Before commencing their employment at Apex, students outline what they wish to learn and the experience they are looking to gain whilst on their placement. Apex then do their best to tailor each placement to the needs of the student.

Students are empowered from an early stage, being made to feel part of the team from the very start of the placement. They are paired with a ‘buddy’ and receive good, progressive on the job training; rewarding progress with increased responsibilities. Some students have even progressed to supervisory positions within their placement year.

A full debriefing session is completed with a member of the HR team at the end of the placement, in which a clear assessment of what the student’s strengths and weaknesses are is given. To date all students have subsequently been offered part-time positions.

The careers service says that students who have completed a placement at Apex have been inspired to 'think bigger' about career possibilities within the hospitality industry.

Key success factors

• Students are empowered from an early stage
• Apex individually tailors its placements to the students’ aspirations
• Students are coached and mentored throughout their placement, with progressive on the job training

This is a company that is pro-actively encouraging entrants to enjoy and take pride in the industry”.Bernie Quinn, Careers Adviser, Queen Margaret University Careers Service.