Lee Kirtland, manager at Redworth Hall Hotel & Spa, is celebrating after successfully completing Level 5 Operations Departmental Manager Apprenticeship.
Working with Lifetime Training, Lee achieved a Distinction in the qualification, which is equivalent to a foundation degree, or a Higher National Diploma (HND), despite the challenges of studying during the pandemic.
The programme has been designed to support senior managers to develop into more effective leaders who drive measurable improvements in both individual and business performance by creating robust plans and developing teams which do and can deliver through clear direction and communication.
Lee said: “I wouldn’t class myself as an academic and I completed the training during a time when Covid caused significant operational issues in the hospitality sector so to pass with a Distinction is amazing.
“I have to admit that at times it was really challenging but I was motivated to finish the course for self-development, while learning new skills and techniques on how to lead the team. ‘
“I learnt a great deal from the course, from how to project manage to the theories behind leadership and development of a team. I would recommend anyone who wants to develop new skills and have a better understanding of leadership to do this apprenticeship.”
Jean Ward, Learning and Development partner at Cairn Group which owns Redworth Hall Hotel & Spa said: “We are very proud of Lee’s achievement. He is the first person in the company to achieve Level 5 and a great example to his colleagues.
“Training and development is really important at Cairn Group and the upcoming launch of our Top Talent Programme, to empower leaders of the future within our business, is testament to this commitment.”
