Member Article

Parkdean Resorts is on the hunt for 'The Apprentice'

Pardkean Resorts is looking for the next generation of budding holiday industry professionals to join the award-winning company on an apprenticeship.

The holiday park operator, which has a central support office in the North East, currently has 170 apprentices working across the UK at over 70 of its holiday parks, as well as in the Gosforth office, with a further 56 positions available throughout the organisation.

From roles in leisure, IT, HR, customer service, marketing and food and beverage, school leavers can gain valuable experience working with the UK’s largest holiday park operator, with the chance of a permanent job offer.

A long-standing champion of developing young talent, Parkdean Resorts runs its own apprenticeship programme, as well as working with providers such as Northern Skills Group, HIT Training and HTP to offer on-the-job experience alongside the chance to travel.

Putting its people-first approach into practice, apprentices receive an hourly rate of £5, which is £1.50 more than the national guidelines, have access to a variety of training, and get involved in monthly recognition cafes, acknowledging team and individual achievements with Star Performer Awards for outstanding contributions to the success of the business.

Responding to the Apprenticeship Levy that came into effect in April 2017, the business has implemented measures to drive the development of key skills via academies, in addition to having a dedicated apprenticeship programme manager to work closely with the young people.

Completing an apprenticeship with Parkdean Resorts can see people take up a long-term career with the business. Former apprentice Katie Miles is just one example of this.

Katie began an admin apprenticeship in 2014. By July 2016, she had completed an advanced level apprenticeship and was offered a permanent role with the company. She is now taking the next steps in her career and undergoing training to become a health and safety advisor.

Katie said: “As a school leaver, I knew I wanted to challenge myself and go into a field which would offer a good career path, so applied for an apprenticeship with Parkdean Resorts. The programme was brilliant and got me to where I am today; with a career that I enjoy. It’s been brilliant and I’m positive about my future with the business.”

Parkdean Resorts employs more than 7,000 people, and in October this year was ranked 36th in the Sunday Times Grant Thornton Top Track 250 – one of two from the North East to make the list.

Emma Findlay, head of people development at Parkdean Resorts, said: “For a long time now we have created opportunities for apprentices, helping young people to find their way into the tourism sector and gain practical skills and experience at a young age; opportunities which can often be hard to come by.

“As a sector, we recognise that hospitality careers are not always promoted, so by welcoming talent into the business via an apprenticeship we can nurture and grow our own workforce and help them enjoy a fulfilling job. We’re looking for our next apprentices now and have 56 positions available in a variety of areas.”

Apprenticeships are currently available with Parkdean Resorts across the UK, including vacancies in HR based at the Gosforth office. To view these visit www.parkdean-resorts.com/current-apprenticeships.aspx.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Parkdean Resorts .