The hotel and members’ club The Ned London has launched a new partnership with University of Gloucestershire to deliver a degree-level apprenticeship in hospitality management.
The collaboration will enable employees at The Ned to benefit from the career development opportunities offered by the University’s Hospitality Manager (Chartered Manager) degree apprenticeship – the first programme of its kind to be formally accredited by the Institute of Hospitality.
The apprenticeship combines the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship with specialist modules designed specifically for those working in today’s hospitality industry to meet a skills gap.
Apprentices will gain management skills and experience working for The Ned while at the same time studying for an honours degree in Applied Hospitality Management from the University, with lectures delivered at a ‘flying faculty’ at The Ned London.
The Ned London opened in 2017 in the former Midland Bank headquarters which was originally designed by Sir Edwin ‘Ned’ Lutyens in 1924. Today the building is home to 250 bedrooms, 10 restaurants, 17 bars and grooming services. There’s also a members-only Ned’s Club, which gives access to a rooftop pool, gym, spa and late-night lounge bar created in the original vault of the bank.
James Partington, head of Talent at The Ned, said: “We’re really excited to be working with the University of Gloucestershire to launch Ned’s University. This exciting new venture will enable people to gain a BA (Hons) in Applied Hospitality Management while working and training with our amazing team.
“As well as being able to earn while they learn, apprentices will gain a degree without having to pay tuition fees, so this really is an incredible opportunity. In addition to using these programmes to upskill our existing staff, they are also giving us the opportunity to onboard new talent. As such, we are looking for hard-working candidates who can demonstrate dedication and enthusiasm in helping manage our hotel and look after our guests with warmth and compassion.”
The university – which delivers a range of degree apprenticeships – is supporting The Ned in recruiting apprentices for the programme, which will start in September 2024.
Alex Cottrell, head of External Relationships for University of Gloucestershire, added: “We are delighted to be working with The Ned and offering these apprenticeships to a new cohort of learners in the hospitality industry.
“We launched this apprenticeship because businesses in the sector told us that skills shortages were presenting a significant barrier to growth. As a result, we worked with leading names both in Gloucestershire and beyond to develop these ground-breaking new programmes.”
Cottrell concluded: “It really is fantastic to be in the position where we are welcoming another cohort of learners onto the programme in September. While based off campus, these apprentices will join our thriving community of more than 1,000 learners on 21 different apprenticeship programmes.”