Oban Bay Hotel is highlighting the success of its apprenticeship programme after a former school partnership pupil progressed to a supervisory qualification with the group.
Noah Porter joined the hotel’s long-running partnership with Oban High School as a fifth-year Home Economics pupil and is now a Food and Beverage Assistant nearing completion of his second year with training provider SDC Learn. He is currently working towards a Level 7 supervisory qualification, developing leadership, communication and organisational skills.
The school partnership programme gives pupils a practical introduction to the industry, culminating in students planning and delivering their own themed event at the hotel, managing everything from menu design and mocktail making to décor, service and final evaluation.
Martin Goldie, SDC Learn tutor, said, “When Noah first began his Level 5 qualification, he was a shy and quiet young man who was still finding his confidence. He has developed not only his technical ability, but also his confidence, communication skills and leadership potential. I have no doubt he has a very bright future in the industry.”
Antoinette Luckhoff, hospitality teacher at Oban High School, added, “It has been an absolute pleasure to watch Noah’s journey from a dedicated pupil in my classroom to a valued professional.”
Noah said, “To anyone out there like me, who was maybe quiet and a little unsure, I can highly recommend doing a Modern Apprenticeship. Not only has it pushed me outside my comfort zone, but it has also provided me with the skills and confidence I needed in life, not only the workplace.”
