Receptionist Review

Checking guests in and out; problem solving when a guest or team member brings an issue to our attention; looking after guest data and ensuring it remains private between guest and hotel; ensuring any financial transactions are authorised and expected; looking after safety and security of guests and the hotel; keeping entrance and reception area clean and welcoming; maintaining good relations between guest and hotel; adhering to financial regulations and safety training; re-training in these areas where necessary.

Existing skills that I have further developed include knowledge in the area of financial regulations; functional skills such as English and Maths; understanding health and safety and discrimination regulation and legislation and the rationale behind them. New skills that I am developing include people management skills and self awareness skills such as reviewing my development and coming up with a plan for my intended career path.

I enjoy being supervised in the development of my skills and job responsibilities; completing further qualifications such as Maths functional skills to bolster my CV and transferable skills; the close supervision of my trainer when discussing new topics or revising old ones is helpful to ensure I am developing in the right direction and in such a way that I can carry what I learn to jobs outside of my current role and company.

Extremely well organised: I am always aware of what is expected of me and where to find help or assistance if I feel it is necessary. Likewise I have the freedom to explore topics that I feel are interesting or relevant even if they are not prescribed to be followed. In this way the structure of my training programme is helpful to me in terms of my development and learning outside of my current job as well as within it.

I am very well supported by my employer. Whitbread pays for my apprenticeship scheme and on top of that I can also approach my manager, assistant manager, or other team members and colleagues for assistance where I feel my knowledge set may be lacking and I need a little guidance outside of the online learning.

Again I am very well supported by my trainer. I feel confident that if I have any issues I can bring them to Dean and we can work together to ensure that the problems are solved and do our best to avoid coming up against further problems in the future. He is available between meetings to answer any questions or clarify any points made in previous meetings.

So far my qualification has enabled me to think about my job in ways that hadn't really occurred to me before, for example in terms of legislation we follow, industry standards and regulations, and in particular ways to improve communication between business and customer. There are many topics available relevant to my tasks as a receptionist as well as those that are tailored toward roles I will take on as my development progresses.

Yes, there are extra curriculars planned by management, i.e. the Christmas staff party for example for all team members to go along and enjoy. There are other events within the company such as the Northern Stars Recognition lunch, to which I was invited and attended. The team also plan events among themselves, such as meeting for a show, going round to a team member's house for dinner, etc.

Yes

Whitbread are a good company to work for: there are lots of benefits, such as employee discount on Whitbread owned properties and clear direction of what is expected of you within your job role. There are development opportunities offered such as progression within the company along with qualifications offered and paid for by the company.

Be aware of your intentions for career progression, as Whitbread offers plenty of opportunities for you to follow your chosen path. Be open to taking opportunities you did not expect and accept offers made to you that you feel may be worthwhile in your pursuit of a career path and development.