A partnership between University of Gloucestershire and hotel and members' club The Ned London to tackle the industry-wide skills gap in hospitality has been welcomed by learners benefiting from a degree-level apprenticeship.

The collaboration is enabling employees at The Ned to benefit from the career development opportunities offered by the university's hospitality manager (chartered manager) degree apprenticeship.

The programme is the first apprenticeship of its kind, and is formally accredited by the Institute of Hospitality.

The apprenticeship combines the degree apprenticeship with specialist modules designed specifically for those working in the hospitality industry to meet a skills gap.

Apprentices gain valuable management skills and experience working for The Ned, while at the same time studying for an honours degree in applied hospitality management from the University of Gloucestershire, with lectures delivered at a 'flying faculty' at The Ned London.

Sarah Feechan, an apprentice on the programme at The Ned, said: "I love to learn and I've known from a very young age that I wanted to go to university and get a degree.

"I was introduced to the concept of degree apprenticeships while in school, but they made it seem as though they were unattainable and were a much longer route than traditional university.

"Whilst looking at the options available to me, I became more interested in the idea of a degree apprenticeship because I realised that it would enable me to have more financial independence throughout university.

"Before starting my apprenticeship with The Ned and University of Gloucestershire, I'd never worked in luxury hospitality before or even set foot in a luxury hotel or high-end restaurant.

"Through the hospitality manager (chartered manager) degree apprenticeship, I've learned a lot about the type of manager that I'd like to be going forward in my career.

"Being able to put into practice at The Ned what I learn at university is extremely beneficial. I will finish my degree with not just a degree, but also a wealth of experience.