Food and Beverage Supervisor Review

I did a placement at Radisson Blu, Manchester Airport as a Food and Beverage Supervisor. This was supposed to be a 12-month placement as part of my sandwich degree. I was responsible for the serving and smooth running of the breakfast and lunch service. I interacted with colleagues from across the department and clients on a daily basis. Unfortunately I wasn't provided with a lot of training and was treated as a waitress so 8 weeks after the start of the placement, I decided to leave.

I did improve my time-management skills as I was supposed to be well-organised and start work at 6:30am. I also improved my communication skills and customer service skills. I received some basic training on H&S and food training which was a key part of my role.

I didn't enjoy the placement very much as it felt that I am not being trained and given a genuine opportunity to learn. The team was great and the manager was flexible with working hours, however I wasn't given a higher level training as I expected. I had to leave a few weeks later and return to university to finish my final year.

I know my team and my manager appreciated my time and efforts and they clearly saw my hard work and initiative. Unfortunately they were not able to provide what I was looking for. I was given the opportunity to shadow other teams as well.

The programme wasn't very well structured. I asked about internal placement opportunities and rotations which they considered but didn't have planed in advance. Hopefully this has changed now.

I did receive help and support from my manager and colleagues but I didn't really receive what I was looking for. More support should have been provided in terms of supporting personal and professional development.

My manager would usually help and support me but it seemed this happened only when asked. I didn't see a lot of proactive behaviour from the employer and a properly structured training programme.

I was paid the national minimum wage. Even the waitresses were paid more which was very demotivating. My salary was enough to cover my essential costs such as accommodation, food, travel etc. The more hours I worked, the more money I would get for additional expenses.

For the time there, the team organised some social activities, but this was self funded rather than company funded and organised.

No

No proper training, not structured, didn't meet my expectations.

Ask in advance what the programme is all about, working hours, salary, responsibilities etc.