A holistic approach to hospitality career development.
Here at English Lakes Hotels, we’re always looking to help members of staff achieve their goals with training and personal development opportunities.
So it’s heartening to hear about the progress of Michele Aldridge, who works part time in the Sandeman’s Bar at the Lancaster House Hotel.
Michele applied for funding support through the hotel group’s Personal Development Fund and we were able to offer her a £300 bursary package to complete her Zumba basic Level 1 instructor training course.
Michele, an experienced business administration professional who also works for Lancaster University as interim executive officer to the Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, has completed the course as part of her own personal development.
She is now working with hotel general manager Emma Underwood to see how and where her new skills can be applied within her job role at Lancaster House, perhaps even with the chance to move across to or help out at the Sandpiper Health Club.
Under the fundamental basics of the English Lakes Hotels Personal Development Fund, training or courses can be undertaken within most disciplines, subject to agreement with line managers.
All staff applicants have to do is let their manager and the group operations director know what the course is, its cost and why they wish to complete it. We then assess the request and let the applicant know how much of the course cost we can support.
In Michele’s case, she provided a detailed business case to support her request for assistance via the Personal Development Fund - and one which aligns with our continued desire to encourage a work life balance for our employees.