A record number of graduates have been welcomed on to BaxterStorey’s Momentum Graduate Programme. Now in its sixth year, a total of 23 new recruits began their journey with an introductory ceremony held at the Blue Fin Building in London.
Launched in 2010, the programme has seen a year-on-year increase in intake, receiving more than 350 applications this year. The scheme helps university graduates enter the industry, launching their career within an exciting and growing business with a view to developing them into confident and creative managers.
The programme has celebrated a 100% retention rate of graduates from the past two years. Georgie Wishart, communications executive at BaxterStorey, completed the Momentum Graduate Programme in 2013.
Wishart explained, “I now work alongside senior members of the BaxterStorey family on a daily basis. My experience on the graduate programme enabled me to have a complete understanding of our business. From site management to the importance of quality, seasonal produce, it was an experience that was invaluable to my development.”
This year’s graduates will have the opportunity to work across the WSH portfolio, joining teams at BaxterStorey, Searcys, Holroyd Howe and Caterlink. The programmes unique hands-on approach to development will see the graduates experience all elements of the business over a period of nine months – spending time in the kitchen, front of house and within both hospitality and support services. They then move on to mobilisations, location projects and operations, learning all aspects of location management.
Joining this year’s programme is Gabrielle Le Roux, who recently graduated from Birmingham University with a first class degree in Hospitality Business Management. She said, “I believe the Momentum Graduate Programme will provide me with some of the very best experiences available within the hospitality industry. I am looking forward to the challenges that lay ahead, learning new skills and developing into a confident manager within the business.”
Graham Eveleigh, head of skills and development at BaxterStorey, added, “Our renowned training academies are constantly evolving and delivering specialist, award-winning programmes to more teams than ever before. The increasing popularity of our Momentum Graduate Programme is testament to the vast range of opportunities our young recruits are offered. It is training initiatives such as this that continue to help us attract and retain a motivated and committed workforce.”